Cup of Inspiration

Today, April 5^th, is National Flash Drive Day. Today we reflect on how the flash drive drastically changed how we store digital memory. It is also a reminder we should always be prepared for modern technologies and processes that impact how we go about tasks in our personal and business lives.

Do you remember those large floppy disks, the ones you could practically use as a small frisbee? The 8-inch floppy disks eventually faded away as the 5.25-inch variety came onto the scene. Then, those were too large, and we started seeing the 3.5-inch disks everywhere we went. These floppy disks provided a means to store articles, photos, programs, etc. They provided portability. At the time, they were innovative technology. It did not take long for them to fade into our memories.

Now we take for granted those little USB drives. They began holding little memory, with basic designs. Now they can almost resemble a toy. They advertise various brands and provide users with the ability to show off their favorite colors or characters. They also hold a tremendous amount of memory in such a small compartment.

At one point, a floppy disk was an exciting piece of technology. It is memorialized as the Save icon in the Word application, but how many in our society have never held one in their hands? How long before these USB flash drives will disappear into history?

Perhaps you feel comfortable right now. You are comfortable in your job, in your house, and have a nice regular routine. Nothing wrong with contentment. However, do not let contentment blind you to changes on the horizon. Be prepared for recent technologies and processes that can impact your employment. Sometimes these changes take place slowly over time, but they can also take place quickly. A flash of lightning can suddenly damage or destroy that comfortable house.

Willfully ignoring upcoming changes will not keep them from impacting your life. Eventually, those who held jobs related to floppy disks had to move on. Computer users eventually had to resort to other means of storing their digital files. The floppy disks went from holding memories to becoming memories.

Be prepared for changes that may come slowly, but also be prepared for changes that may come in a flash.