The technology moves quickly. If you blink, you will miss the next great thing. Consider it. In just a few years, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and smartphones weren’t commonplace. Today, technology is present in nearly all aspects of life.

The problem is that keeping up with the latest technology can be overwhelming. Each week, there is a brand new digital trend, an app or gadget that everyone wants to know about. It’s very easy to get left behind if you are not cautious.

What’s the good news? It’s not necessary to spend every spare moment reading technology blogs, or buying every new gadget on the market to stay ahead. Working smarter is more important than working harder. Take control over your technology game, stay up to date, and adapt seamlessly.

1. A Growth Mindset

The uncomfortable truth is that technology will not stop progressing. It’s good. The people who succeed in this tech-driven age are those who don’t see the change as a problem, but rather as an chance.

A growth mindset is about being curious and open to new ideas. It’s also about not worrying what you do not know. Do you have questions about AI? View a video tutorial. Hearing buzz about blockchain? A beginner’s guide is available. It’s important to embrace the uncomfortableness of the unfamiliar; this is where you will grow.

2. You can streamline your sources of information

You don’t have to keep up with everything in the world of technology. Just the basics will suffice. Keep your eye on credible sources who can explain trends in plain English.

  • Subscribe to newsletters such as TechCrunch, Techaitime and Wired. They provide digestible information.
  • While on the road, listen to podcasts about technology.
  • Use social media: You can follow thought leaders on Twitter or LinkedIn to get the latest updates.

Pro tip? Choose quantity over quality. You can stay informed by using a few trusted resources without getting lost in the rabbit hole.

3. You should surround yourself with tech-savvy people

You become average by the people with whom you spend most of your time. You can stay on top of technology by surrounding yourself with tech-minded, curious people. You can surround yourself with coworkers who are tech-savvy, experts in the industry, or friends that love to geek out about new gadgets.

These people can help you to develop new ideas and broaden your outlook. They will also inspire you to keep exploring. You don’t know anyone who is tech-savvy? Attend local meetups or join forums to be immersed in a forward-thinking community.

4. Explore Emerging Technologies

It’s one thing to read about technology, but it’s another to use it. Get your hands on the latest technology to keep up with it.

  • Try AI to improve your productivity.
  • Demo versions of the software can be downloaded to test if it works for you.
  • Try out new apps, devices for the smart home, and platforms in order to better understand how they can be used.

Take action to keep yourself adaptable. Adaptable people thrive in environments that are constantly changing.

5. Investment in lifelong learning

How often do you learn something new? To stay up-to-date in technology, you need more than a superficial understanding. You also require skill building.

There are many opportunities to learn.

  • You can take courses through platforms such as Coursera Skillshare or LinkedIn Learning.
  • You can also attend webinars and conferences to listen to experts explain complex issues.
  • You can learn coding, digital marketing, and data analytics–skills which are useful in almost every field.

Use just two to three hours per week for learning and you will see your technology confidence grow.

6. Watch the trends that matter

It is not worth paying attention to every trend. Ten fads will disappear for every innovation that changes the game. Focus on areas aligned with your professional or personal goals.

These are some tech areas that will last:

  • AI and Automation: AI has transformed industries, from chatbots to self-driving cars. Find out how AI can impact your career or life.
  • Security: As digital activities increase, it is important to protect sensitive data. It is important to keep track of security measures.
  • Sustainable Tech: From carbon tracking to renewable energy, technology focusing on the sustainability of our future is shaping it.

Prioritizing your goals will prevent you from trying to do everything at once and not achieving anything.

7. Balancing Screen Time and Intentional Downtime

Burnout in the tech world is a real thing. It’s not easy to avoid being consumed by an unending stream of new updates.

Set boundaries. Plan tech-free periods to recharge and refocus. They also help maintain a healthy relationship between digital tools. The goal of consuming 24/7 is not to engage in it all the time. It’s about being intentional with what you do.

Achieving Success is not a destination, but a journey

Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, and your ability to keep up with it is not going away. You’ll be able to keep up with the latest technology by staying informed and curious.

It’s important to remember that it is not enough to be proficient in technology, but rather ready. When you start preparing now, you’re setting yourself up for success in the long run.