Tuesday 14th July; well and truly into lockdown. And I want to chat over Irresistible.
Lathkill Dale in July 2020
Life has been somewhat vague, if honest, since mid-March when the Covid-19 lockdown occurred in the UK. But it has opened a whole world of opportunity for me in terms of downing tools and looking at other areas of activity or leisure.
Downing tools became apparent by the end of March as I could see that advertising ground to a halt and there was certainly no need of consultants. To add to this was the unpalatable realisation that people were actually losing their jobs, income, and confidence. And it is only getting worse. It is sad and of concern.
But I do think that out of adversity can come so much opportunity. And maybe it is a time for change?
Chaos and Opportunity
I do believe that chaos and opportunity are bedfellows and it is good to learn this. More so with recent events revolving around Covid-19. Sometimes chaos is nature’s way of bringing about change and something that should be embraced even if unpleasant. It can open a whole world of opportunity to you. Is it time for a change? Does lockdown bring you time in which to spring clean the home or your career, or for that matter yourself?
You can still tick the job or business over, whilst looking at engaging with people, chores, exercise, learning, or just plain resting. (It is not uncommon for people in advertising to work at a million miles an hour.) I’ve been mixing it up with fell running, outdoor swimming (now the proud owner of a bright orange tow float), and cycling. I am very grateful to live where I live, in the middle of the “great outdoors”.
And you may want to get outside yourself to Saddleworth, as we are all suffering from cabin fever.
But I really want to natter about READING (excuse the caps) and specifically one book that helped me.
Reading
There is a wealth of material to read if you have time on your hands, and people do especially when furloughed or not working full hours. It is something I have turned to, always being a lover of books. You may also want to look at studying online, via FutureLearn for example. I myself am studying a course on Neuroleadership.
If you are not a reader maybe consider Audible or Podcasts.
Irresistible
This book was recommended to me by a friend who has a PHd in Machine Learning. A clever chap to say the least. I wanted to suggest it as it has helped me deal with what was clearly a dependence on technology, and has helped switch me to reading and weaning myself off technology.
The book’s tagline on its front cover is “The rise of addictive technology and the business of keeping us hooked.” and that sums it up. The book charts the rise of the technology we use including websites and how we become hooked or addicted, and how this is engineered by those behind the technology. The book explains how technology addiction is no different to other forms of addiction and that it is insidious with many people not aware of this. The “pleasure” path to this addiction is no different to that of other addictions. It is something I was concerned about as I was sucked into iPhone and social media usage to name one or two culprits. It explains the process of addiction with research and correlates this to technology addiction, again with research - it’s fascinating reading.
It was one of the books I’ve read over lockdown and as you’ll guess I suggest reading it, especially if you work in advertising.
Epilogue
I knew my iPhone, news, and social media consumption was problematic; Claire my wife was also forced to comment on it. So as of March and after reading the book I curtailed my usage of technology, for example having no laptop and iPhone for three weeks. On reading Irresistible I realised the gravitas of my technology addiction, but also saw the sheer joy of time out from it, and a rediscovery of reading and other “stuff”.
It is clear that addiction is manifest in your wanting to check that e-mail, in wanting to get a like or follow, in wanting to tell people what you have been up to and what a great life you have, and so it goes on. You end up navel gazing, become self-centred, introspective, detached from people and reality. There is also the impact your posts may have on people. Harping on about how great a day you are having, could make someone miserable or unworthy - yes that does happen.
Now is a real opportunity to embrace change, even if unpleasant. It is such a part of life that maybe you ought to view it as a catalyst to “spring clean” your life or make an overdue change. Even cut down on technology. Also try not too get hung up on what may happen with Covid-19, no one really knows, and try to live in the present. Ask yourself honestly, “do I have a problem now?” Because in reality it is the now we deal with and live in.