Who is the tool? How to use technology without being used BY it.

Posted on September 30, 2009 by Leif Hansen, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

Technology can be powerfully effective, yet it can also be stressful, addictive and even soul-deadening. The key is to use it in a way that actually keeps in step with your values and broader life goals. What would that look like?

The Problem

You love how powerful, shiny, new technologies connect you quickly & broadly to new media & relationships
…However, you often struggle with the fact that:

• those connections often lack depth
• time/energy/attention gets sucked from other primary relationships & activities
• exposure to so much information can be overwhelming or mean its easily forgotten
• you often don’t feel good (body/mind/spirit) afterwards -like it was ‘time wasted’

The Diagnosis

• Humans have a deep need for satisfying, supportive, rich relationships (as well as for stimulation, personal growth and other needs.)

• Due to a complex number of reasons, these relational needs are insufficiently met in our families, peer groups, work places & local communities

• An increasing number of people look to the internet as their primary way to get their need for connection met – it’s easy, fast & global.

• However, these ‘mediated’ relationships are unable to satisfactorily meet our relational needs and most people find themselves ‘malnourished’.

• A vicious cycle is created in which we then attempt to make more online connections or to use the latest social tech… yet we still feel unsatisfied.

• Like a drug addiction, this cycle continues until more significant problems arise.

Some General Solutions

• Values & Goals: Are you aware of & have you articulated your life goals and values?

• Alignment: Which tech habits align with your values and goals? Which hinder them?

• Support: How can you find the support you need to make appropriate changes? Any friends, classes, workshops, coaches, new habits, etc. you bring in for support will help. Recognize also that their is some evidence of real psychological/neurological addiction to these screens and that you might need to seek out professional help.

• Reconnect: What is the quality of your current primary relationships? (to self, family, friends, local community & Spiritually)

• Play: How playfully are you engaging your whole being -body, mind and spirit? High-tech problems need high-touch solutions. ALL of you wants in the game and screen-centric lives are usually just for eyeballs, brains (mostly left side) and fingertips.

• Boundaries: Any specific times (i.e. an eve or whole day?) & places (i.e. meals?) want to be tech free?

• Needs: Which deeper needs might you possibly be trying to meet (social, creative, spiritual)?

• Filter: What kinds of topics/info is important to you? Which streams and services can you ‘unsubscribe’, etc?

Spark Solutions

• We work with motivated individuals & groups who want to live their life fully & productively.

• Using fun, safe & dynamic processes we help you to tap into your core, clarify your goals & values, and then creatively bust through any obstacles that stand in the way – while maintaining ongoing support to make sure changes last.

• We can do this work one-on-one, as well as with the support of a larger group or team.

Spark Results!

• Boost your personal or team productivity by using technology efficiently

• Increase the quality, trust & communication in your personal & work relationships

• Rediscover & clarify your core values and goals

• Feel healthier & happier about how you spend your time.

• Make your learning & changes last longer

What Next?

• Call us about our free Soul Tech eBook

• Ask us about Individual & Team Coaching

• Invite us to give a Live or Virtual Presentations to your group/team

• Work with us to create a uniquely tailored ‘Soul Tech’ workshop for your business team, non-profit, community or faith group

• Join or ask us to help you start an ongoing Spark Colab (Goal Acceleration/Support Groups)