MAKE A SINCERE EFFORT TO BECOME FRIENDS WITH TECHNOLOGY

I promised myself when I set out to write this small book, not to include too many stories about myself. However, for this chapter, I will relate a short story which does qualify as about myself.

I entered into the Insurance and Finance industry at a reasonably young age. Right from the beginning, I was self employed and operated my own business. Fortunately for me, my father-in-law was a very successful business man in the same industry and I thank him very much for his help and encouragement over many years, which without doubt, was substantially responsible for assisting me to stay in the industry for almost twenty-five years.

From the mid nineteen seventies to the mid nineteen nineties I was able to successfully operate my business with a minimum of involvement in the ever growing world of new computer technology. However, it became increasingly difficult for me to ignore the need for accepting and indeed embracing the new technological world. Firstly, we were introduced to the marvels of the Lap Top. We were unable to conduct a large portion of our business activities any longer because much of the information required was only available through computer programs. Then it became necessary to have the you-beaut elaborate desk top computer as well to process and store all the different information required. Now, of course, it required the employment of a secretary and an office administrator to oversee the operations in the office. My business world was rapidly changing. More and more processes were only possible by computer and it became a dominant part of the daily operations.

Now, this brings me to the reason why I began the chapter with this story about myself. For the truth was, although I was physically embracing all these changes, emotionally and spiritually, I most definitely was not. My mind set was almost one hundred percent against all the changes. I enjoyed the way I had built my business, particularly as a person to person association with my clients, many, many of whom became my close friends over the years. Over time, I came to deeply resent the changes brought about by the technology and also the huge changes in Government legislation and corporate power. I allowed myself to become more and more isolated from the main stream flow of the industry and also from my business colleges and as a consequence became more and more unhappy with my business and my life. Sadly, I allowed this situation to come to a point in the mid nineties, where it severely affected my health and I was forced to sell my business and leave the industry forever.

The important point I want to pass on from this tale is that I have been able, after many years, to finally realise and understand, that almost all of the unfortunate circumstances that occurred over this period were not brought about by the actual changes themselves, but because of my stubborn rejection and my unwillingness to accept and acknowledge that they were a perfectly acceptable and normal progression of the business world, and indeed the world in general.

I am not foolish enough to suggest to you that all change is for the good. However, what I would suggest is that we all take a very hard look at all changes as they arise and consider the positive possibilities which open up to us from these changes and do not dwell on the past situation to much. We need to open our minds to the future with enthusiasm and high expectations of it allowing us to have a more abundant and happy time ahead, instead of allowing the past to crush our spirits and destroy our passion for what lays in front of us.

There is a saying. God, please give me the strength to change the things I can, to accept the things I cannot change and the wisdom to recognize the difference. Please think on all these things and consider seriously accepting change and in particular make technology your good friend.