When new tools are added to the technology you use every day, you likely expect something fresh and innovative. They should help make your life easier or more enjoyable.
Sometimes, when technology advances, it takes a while to adjust, especially if it moves too quickly or you’ve been out of the loop for too long. While many may want the latest features, you and I might prefer to work the way we always have, gradually easing into what’s new.
And that’s okay.
Judy and the Soda Fountain
Earlier this year, I went to lunch at a local deli where I met a sweet woman. We’ll call her “Judy”. It was crowded, and she waited in line with everyone else. As the line to the right of us disappeared, the cashier called out to let us know that her register was free.
“I’m so sorry,” Judy apologized with a smile before stepping out of line, “all I want is a Coca-Cola®.”
I motioned to the right, letting Judy move ahead of me to the other line. Placing her hand on a short stack of plastic cups, she laughed as the cashier prepared to take her order.
“All I want is a Coca-Cola.”
The cashier laughed with her and handed her a cup. At last, the sweet, carbonated drink she’d been craving would be hers!
But wait, the soda fountain was computerized. Judy was stuck.
She called out to me for help and said once again, “All I want is a Coca-Cola.”
Judy went through the motions with me, pressing her fingers against the screen for each confirmation. Before committing completely, she noticed the flavor selections – from vanilla to raspberry. This machine that was so intimidating five minutes before suddenly became a Coca-Cola fan’s dream.
“I can pick any of these?”
“Yes,” I answered.
She waited a moment in awe of her discovery. However, Judy stuck with her intended target: a classic Coca-Cola. She poured her drink, and after thanking me, was on her way. While I ate, I thought about her and looked around the restaurant to see if she was seated anywhere. I couldn’t find her, but in that brief moment of interaction before sitting down, I was inspired by Judy’s story – enough to write this article.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever been in Judy’s position, wait until no one is watching, and raise your hand. You can’t see me, but my hand is also in the air. If you feel so compelled, please share a story of when you conquered a technological obstacle below. I’d love to read it and empathize with you.
This feeling is something we deal with every day when we’re presented with a change to what we already know. Like Judy, when we finally understand its purpose, what was overwhelming at first could become a cool component that we can return to when we need it.
And who knows? Perhaps the next time Judy approaches one of these machines, a Coca-Cola won’t be be all she wants.
