Reconnect in a Disconnected World: One of the biggest catastrophes this planet is facing today is disconnection. The true definition of disconnection is “the state of being isolated or detached,” a notion that is truly reflecting the age we live in. Never before have we been so connected yet so far removed from the relationships we hold with those around us.
The power behind connections is huge, and within an age of ever more disconnect, we’re forgetting how to feel, engage and maintain our emotional intelligence. Taking a look at some of the common causes and solutions could help us reconnect, not only with others but also ourselves.
Being Busy Isn’t a Cure for Your Troubles
When I am busy, in most societies, I am seen as a positive trait. It also helps to label you as a successful person. When you’re in this headspace, you end up living within the misconception that the busier you are the more productive you’re being. What really tends to happen is you slowly create a bubble, one where you’re not privy to what’s actually going on. You disconnect, power through, and stay distracted. 
The excruciating guilt I would feel if I wasn’t noodling about with some project or another is something that crushes me every time I want to take a break. The ongoing battle in my head drives me crazy, so why does this happen?
It wasn’t until I spoke with inspirational speaker, writer & filmmaker, Philip McKernan that the penny dropped. “Anyone who is super busy, anyone who is filling every inch of their lives is running from something.” If this hits a particular nerve within you, then welcome to the club.
Consider stopping.
Turn around and face head-on whatever it is you’re trying to disconnect yourself from. Like your own shadow, you won’t be able to outrun it. It will eventually catch up with you and manifest itself in multiple ways, either physically, mentally or emotionally – and oh boy, will it come out. The cure is to reconnect in a disconnected world.
Dare Yourself to be Happy
All too often, we don’t allow ourselves to be happy, a fault that largely lies in our fear of taking risks. Your mind is designed to protect you and it prevents you from doing the things that move away from known constructs. And therefore systematically deceives us into thinking that if we’re in control and play it safe, that’s exactly what we’ll get from life.
As a result, we have disconnected from our inner purpose and self, happily riding the waves of insecurity and control. In a world that is so devoted to conformity, I think it’s time to break away and run the risk of becoming more of who you are, by doing what you love. Stop living your life according to other people’s expectations and ideas.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said …
“To be yourself in a world that’s constantly trying to make you into something else is the greatest achievement.”
How Technology is Changing Connections
Technology is evolving in front of our very eyes. There’s no denying this electronic revolution has greatly benefited humanity. It has
- motivated political movements,
- found millions of people love,
- enabled local and global interactions, while also
- bringing us a wealth of information that we never would have had access to otherwise.
But, all these screens in our lives don’t only bring us closer; they can keep us further apart. We are at a critical point where we can achieve most of our daily tasks including maintaining our relationships with just the click of a button.
By 2020 social media…
will be used by almost 2.9 billion people. Add various instant messaging methods at our fingertips, we’re radically changing the way we communicate and interact with one another.
The new technology is so ingrained within our day-to-day that it’s almost an extension of us, reaching a point where we’re almost dependent on it to give us some kind of emotional verification through multiple, and varying connections we have online.
Reconnect in a Disconnected World
Humans are hardwired for connection, and we are inherently social creatures. While spending time with online peers is great, it’s the physical connections that we benefit from the most. They improve your quality of life. As well as physical and mental health. While it also establishing emotional validation that we need from time to time.
The Psychology of Entrepreneurship
For more insight into the disconnect epidemic check out volume 01 of the Psychology of Entrepreneurship podcast hosted by Ronsley Vaz and with special guest Philip McKernan.
Author: Ronsley Vaz
Ronsley is the founder & chief day dreamer at AMPLIFY. He is an author, speaker & serial entrepreneur.
He has a Masters’ degree in Software Engineering and an MBA in Psychology and Leadership. He is known as the creator of We Are Podcast – the first Podcasting Conference in the Southern Hemisphere, and the host of The Bond Appetit Podcast and Should I Start a Podcast. He has an audience of over 3 million in 133 countries.