Future Focussed
In our world of ever changing technology there are groups of people known as early adaptors. They are the ones who line up for the latest Apple Product, who test the newest games, who eagerly bring the latest techno-whiz devices into their homes.
I am definitely not one of those. My first response when I heard about phones that could receive email was, “Oh, pffft. Who would want that?” Well, it turns out pretty much all of us do, including myself.
It makes me wonder about the character of these early adapters. Why, or how, did they immediately grasp the implications of email in your pocket? What I saw as an unnecessary annoyance they saw as, what? … Convenience? Improved business? Fun? Dark night flat tire safety options? I don’t know. What they saw, I clearly didn’t.
It further makes me wonder if early adapters are that flexible and far-seeing in other aspects of their life. Are they better savers because they are able to picture themselves in the future? Or do they just like new toys?
To recognize the possibilities in new technology implies an ability to be future focussed as opposed to my pedantic response, “What do we need that for?” I resisted these technologies and the changes to lifestyle they represented.
Lately, friends and family have commented on my ability to change and adapt. They are not just referring to my recent change in circumstances, but my lifetime line-up of careers and interests. It’s true, I have had a variety of pursuits, the difference being, I chose all those changes. I saw possibilities in a future I wanted to pursue. Or, at least check it out.
This time, Wile E. Coyote pushed the plunger, not me. Being future focussed means seeing the possibilities like early adapters do. Resist the urge to resist the change. And then cast it all in a positive light.
Stay safe everyone.
Your blog post makes me realize that I am part of the majority of later adaptors and sometimes even fall into the laggard category. I do admire the early adaptors!
I’ve always admired them as well. Lately, I’ve learned some tricks from friends who use apps more than I do. Like waving your phone in front of a parking meter and …done. Amazing, intimidating, and inspiring all at once. And, no, I have not yet downloaded said app.