A few weeks ago, the unthinkable happened. My laptop, as often happens because of design issues, was getting really hot and the fans were working overtime. Then one day, it started to shut down and start up for no apparent reason.
After several futile calls to tech support, I determined on my own that the laptop was overheating. I purchased a fan pad for it, but it was too late. The damage to the hard drive was done. I did manage to get my husband’s critical files off of it before it totally crashed.
However, all of the PLR products were gone. As were the back up, working, and help files for my clients.
As I assessed the carnage, though, several lessons emerged that were worth sharing.
1. Back-up often. I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me that the end was near. All of the months that the computer ran hot were my warning signs, and I ignored every one. But the longer nothing happened under those conditions, the more I was lulled into a false sense of security. Big mistake.
2. Most things stored on a computer are replaceable. (The exception to that is of course digital pictures that have been uploaded directly from a camera). Software can be downloaded from its licensed sources again, and lost features and upgrades can be restored with the click of a button.
3. Not to procrastinate finishing projects. If I had done what I was supposed to with half of the things I lost on that machine, they would be hosted content on the web somewhere right now. But because I sat on them, they are lost.
4. Focus. Instead of spending time recreating everything, I have been given the unique opportunity to decide what is the most important. This has produced more focus than I have had in months.
So as far as I am concerned, having a hard drive crash wasn’t the total catastrophe that I originally thought.
It is amazing how something like that can give you perspective when you need it the most.