One of my oddball talents is the ability to get results from an 800 number or online tech support. In fact, I love customer support. Think about it. Here is a number or a website that can solve your problem. Simply by making a call or initiating a chat, a person, maybe a bot, let’s just say-someone responds. They ask what the problem is, they may ask for more details, and then just like that, they start suggesting fixes. Eventually, there is resolution and the entire time someone has been by your side helping.

I wish solving life’s issues could be so straightforward. There are moments when you reach out to a friend or mentor for suggestions about a problem or challenge. Then depending on a multitude of variables, you may follow their advice. You may do research about your issue, and again depending on the information you find, you may or may not implement.

I have a theory of why tech support is such a positive experience for me. I feel heard. The someone on the phone or in the chat bubble is listening to me and asks clarifying questions, as needed. You start with the simplest solutions first. If that does not work then step by step you try other solutions. Real life issues have a tendency to overwhelm me because I am tackling too much at one time. As you try different steps, there is a clear sense that the steps that do not work are helping to get closer to what will work. Unlike life where I can so easily categorize what doesn’t work as failure rather than information. Finally, tech support comes without any judgment about how adept or inept I am with regards to my challenge.

So my suggestion to myself and anyone who happens to read this is when faced with a challenge take the tech support approach. Get clear on what the issue is. Start with the simplest solutions first. Take small steps. Recognize the things that do not work as information. Resist self-judgment and show yourself some grace.

Life is for learning.
Enjoy, Kristan