Have you ever been working diligently on a project using your computer to configure a report or maybe you were using the computer to turn in a school assignment? Suddenly, the computer screen goes black and panic sets in. You check to see what the cause may be. After minutes of troubleshooting to turn the screen back on, it seems all is lost. Then, you decide to reboot.

What causes a system to need to reboot? “Some of the most common factors are: Hardware failure or system instability can cause the computer to reboot automatically. The problem could be the RAM, Hard Drive, Power Supply, Graphics Card or External devices: – or it could be an overheating issue.”

Sometimes in life, we just need a reboot. Our system (brain/processing unit) has become overworked or overloaded. There are too many things requiring our focus and energy. If we’re not careful, our mind will shut down on its own, sometimes without notice and we may find ourselves sick, having anxiety attacks or mental breakdowns.

We may also experience a reboot of we’re disconnected from the power supply. Perhaps we’ve become so busy we’ve forgotten to surround ourselves with a strong, positive support network. If we’re not careful, these relationships will become nonexistent if we don’t consistently feed them.

There are times when our graphics card has gone out and needs repairing. This is what allows us to see images on the screen from internal data. Maybe you’ve been working and doing things but seeing few results if any. It seems as though your wheels are spinning but there’s no traction. It may be time to reboot and renew the graphics card by ensuring that nothing is plugging up the system.

Finally, there are times when life is just exhausting and it’s time for a break. The system has overheated and voluntarily shuts down. You may need to unwind, detox, break away, do something different or simply rest and get renewed. Time away from the busyness of life does wonders for the soul.

If you found yourself experiencing some frustration, confusion, weariness or ineffectiveness, try rebooting. It just may be time to re-evaluate where you are and start again.

~Coletta Jones Patterson

*Coletta is an author, business executive, life/business coach and speaker who is passionate about helping others go beyond stuck. Her latest book, “Beyond Stuck: Creating the Life You Want” is available on Amazon.com.