I realize “shut up and reboot” sounds harsh but let me explain. Many years ago, I was the go-to computer person in the office where I worked. I ran across a Dilbert comic strip that became a running joke with my co-workers. In addition, it became a valuable teaching tool. 

In the comic, Dogbert worked as tech support. When he received a call for assistance, he simply replied, “Shut up and reboot.” 

Simple Solution

Shut up and reboot. What a simple solution! So simple I thought I would try it. 

As my office friends came to me for assistance, my advice would be to “shut up and reboot.” Always said with a wink and a smile, of course. 

I didn’t use the term with a mean spirit. I used it to encourage those who needed help. It was my way of guiding them to take a step back to reset something that got stuck. More often than not, when the system stopped working on so many things at once and restarted the process from scratch, it would run smoothly again. 

It wasn’t long before those who came to me would start their request with, “I’ve already rebooted.” It became easier for me to help because they had already taken time to evaluate the situation. I knew, when they came to me, they were ready for additional guidance. Plus, they were more eager to learn. 

Life Reboot

I’ve found life can be the same way. We tend to overload ourselves with too many good things. We get distracted from our ultimate purpose and don’t run as well as we should. We want quick solutions before we’ve evaluated where we are and what we need. Wanting quick resolutions is natural, not always practical. A full reboot will take extra time, but the outcome can be fantastic. 

I’ve used the “shut up and reboot” solution numerous times in my life for many different situations. 

As simple as this concept is, it’s often the last action I take. I’m never particularly eager to reboot. It means I have to save and close everything I’m working on, then wait for the reset. It also means some of the information may be lost. But it most always fixes the glitches, and things begin to run smoothly again. And when it doesn’t, I then seek additional counsel. 

My Reboot

This past year forced me to “shut up and reboot” even though I wasn’t ready. Things had been getting a bit balky for me, but I was still doing what I loved and helping those I could. I didn’t want to stop to reset. I was on a roll. Then suddenly, everything froze. 

The reset has forced me to evaluate my life. My passion for guiding women to discover complete health through nutrition and exercise hasn’t changed, but the delivery of that information has to be different than it was in the past. I’ve also found a deeper desire to coach life transformation. It’s always been embedded in my training programs. To make significant changes in your body, you also have to transform your life to make those changes permanent.   

Things are running smoother for me now, but there are some glitches still present. I knew God had different plans for me, but I wasn’t sure exactly what they were. Most likely, I still don’t see the entire plan. However, I have many of the pieces and objectives set in place.

I’ve used the past several months examining my knowledge in the health and fitness industry, seeking counsel on how best to use my experience to help others. And now I’m planning to “shut up and reboot” once again.

I’m looking forward to how well this refreshed system will run. 

Reflection

Rebooting is really just making changes. Big or small, they all lead us to our ultimate purpose. We should embrace a reboot. Sure, it may be a bit scary. But challenges lead to change. And sometimes change is exactly what we need to move forward. 

How about you? When was the last time you did a reset? Are you at a point in your life where you need to reflect on what comes next for you and how you will make it happen? 

If you are fulfilling your life’s purpose, that’s wonderful! Keep pursuing your dreams and passions. While you are doing that, run a diagnostic on other areas of your life. Is there anywhere you feel unfulfilled, or are there areas you’d like to make improvements?  

If you’re unsettled, restless, or longing for change, maybe it’s time for you to consider Dogbert’s directions, too. Perhaps it’s time to “shut up and reboot.”