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ERROR: 1234 human nature


As someone who has made a career of utilizing and mastering multiple software programs, I have a great deal of experience with their flaws.  Like software, humans are imperfect.  Many intriguing analogies may be drawn between the two.

When software does not deliver the expected result, it is referred to as a ‘bug’.   Some people continue to push the button on the program, hoping that the problem with disappear.  That frustrated persistence often causes the software to get stuck in a loop – locking up the computer and resulting in a complete systems crash.  Experienced computer Users know to turn off and restart their machine first, in case it is a strange anomaly that disappears when the computer is at rest.  This is called a ‘reboot’. Once a bug proves to be persistent, it must be further tested to determine the severity and impact of the issue. 

If a positive result is possible through an alternate existing feature it is called a ‘workaround’.    If the bug is considered severe and a workaround is not sufficient, often reprogramming by software specialists is required to offer a permanent fix to the issue.  Throughout this process, Users that depend on the software programs are often frustrated and disappointed in their software. 
Human beings are similar to software, in our attempts to work correctly and
our reactions to our own flaws or those in others.

When an unpleasant event occurs in our life, we may panic and continue to push – in hopes the negative reaction goes away.  Often poking at a problem when we are in a high emotional state causes the issue to magnify to a state that appears beyond repair.  Those who apply logic to a problem often choose to reboot – sleep on it and see if the situation is better in the morning. If that is not the case, we begin our analysis. We must determine if it a small issue that we can work through easily, or something impactful that must be addressed more aggressively with behavioral reprogramming with the help of an expert in human behavior. 

If our flaws are persistent and impact others, we often get stuck in an emotional loop that results in negative self-talk, more destructive behavior and negative reactions from those around us. If we try to set our emotional reaction aside and look at our problems with logic, then apply defined resolution steps, as with software, we have a greater chance of a positive outcome.

I have made many mistakes in my own life and witnessed the same in others I care about.  I have never thrown away a software program that had good features and resources committed to improvement.  The same is true of humans.  If we are self-aware, have a genuine desire to improve and take positive steps in that direction, we get an opportunity to reboot, work-around issues and correct the problems in our lives.  If we are surrounded by people who are empathetic, we have a chance to repair relationships and build better and stronger human natures. 

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