I have to admit something. I’m afraid that my lack of understanding about almost everything technological was causing me to procrastinate. Each time I’d try to do something new - edit my website, social media marketing, mailing list design, I would get to a point where hours have gone by and all I had was a giant mess and a massive headache. In frustration I’d go into what I call “techno aversion procrastination” and I’d give up.
But my business is 100% online. I use online conferencing for all my client calls, webinars and workshops. I couldn’t just give up. I had to figure a way around this self diagnosed disorder. I knew in order for people to connect with me they had to be able to find me online. So getting past my “techno aversion” was a necessity.
And yet it seemed every time I’d go to my website to make small adjustments I’d end up losing hours getting sucked into the black hole of confusion. I’d search for solutions, watch “how to” videos and read articles. But I’m an “over clicker” who could mess things up in ridiculous ways, requiring me to start over again and again.
Or, often times, I’d just give up and fall into one of my work avoidance habits like surfing the web with no purpose. Sometimes I’d be reduced to tears, slam my computer shut and curse the day it was invented.
Procrastination became a safe place to be. There are very few rules and it can eat up endless hours. Just try searching for “dogs dressed up for Halloween” and you too may be entertained for hours! But, like binging on junk food, this is incredibly unsatisfying and guilt inducing behavior.
I had to get past my “techno aversion procrastination.” It wasn’t congruent with the work I do. So I began with a little research and created my own technology guidelines:
Simplify - You don’t need a fancy website or to be on every social media platform to build a business. Just a simple site and a presence on a couple of social media channels will do.
Create short posts. Engaging content and value added comments will allow people to get to know you. I use Canva to create graphics. It’s a little tricky at first, but give it a chance.
Limit your time - When I sit down to work with technology I set my timer to 45 minutes. Whether I’ve completed the task or not I take a short break to stretch my legs. If I need to return to the task I can then show up with a new perspective and possibly a little more blood flowing to my brain.
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL. When I finally hired a web designer I felt incredibly relieved. She helps me with everything from layout to getting all the buttons to work.
I’ll admit, I still fall into the shame spiral of “techno aversion procrastination.” I just want to be able to do it all myself (I’m pretty stubborn). But in the words of my web designer “You just need to ask for help before you get to this place. [aka-the pit of despair] I think maybe this is one of those things that you need to let someone else do for you. I don’t mean this to be insulting, but it just ain’t your thing.” So true, I don’t need to be a techno wizard.
Even though I may still struggle with technology, I will not let fear push me into procrastination. Instead I’ll look for new ways to get around the problem.
And I won’t be afraid to reach out for help.
What kind of fears are pushing you into procrastination?