I travelled to Leeds, last week, to do some shadow coaching with a client, but instead of flying I had to take the train, due to Flybe no longer operating. My Son dropped me off at the station and I went to the platform to wait for the train when I suddenly realised I’d left my phone at home!
I had an immediate panic and my thoughts were “How will I manage?” I was only going to be away for a day but I felt like I’d lost a limb. To be fair, there was nothing I could do about it, so my brain started to work on solutions to stay in contact with everyone.
As soon as the train arrived, I got on and logged on to the wifi, on my iPad and laptop. I sent a message to my Son, just to make sure the phone was at home, which it was. I then went on to FaceBook and posted that I’d left my phone at home, so all my mates would see it and then I messaged my wife to let her know I’d FaceTime her later. I emailed the guy I was meeting in the morning to let him know I didn’t have my phone, and to agree a time and place to meet, so we started the day well. I decided to watch a film then read some of my book, which I don’t do enough of.
When I arrived at Leeds train station it became very obvious that I do rely on my phone for many things, Maps being one of them. I remember that I should see a KFC, turn left, keep the water on my left and the Novotel would be there on my right. The problem was I didn’t know which entrance to use, and I was lost.
I walked for about 15 minutes, typical bloke, before going into another hotel and asking someone for directions. The receptionist printed me a ‘real’ map, gave me a start point, and off I went. Within 20 minutes I was in my room getting my stuff ready for the next day. I called my wife via FaceTime and then went to the bar for a drink and something to eat, whilst watching the Liverpool game (That didn’t go well!).
The lesson I got, from that experience, was about the skill of being resourceful and problem solving. I actually enjoyed not having my phone for a while. Once I got over the initial shock and realised I couldn’t do anything about it, I started to use my brain. Ok, I used other technology to connect but I also enjoyed not constantly looking at my phone.
I noticed how much other people were distracted by their phones, felt a bit envious at times, but I experienced more that day than I possibly have for a while. I didn’t have the distraction, or the desire, to check every 5 minutes to see if I had a message, email or text. I didn’t scroll through social media every 30 minutes to catch up on other peoples lives.
It was a liberating experience, which I recommend everyone to have a go at, through choice and at a time that suits you, not because you forgot your phone!
I do love how things have changed with technology, in such a short space of time, and, as we might all have to self isolate soon enough, because of COVID-19, I am getting my films ready and my books lined up, just in case. I’ve even looked at a remote camp site, where they rent out mobile homes, as we could all go there for a couple of weeks and spend time walking along the coast, where no-one else is.
Stay safe, be positive, expect the best, but, plan for the worst!
Catch it, kill it and bin it……