Let’s talk about something most of us avoid until it’s way too late: socks.
You know the ones I mean. Threadbare heels. Alfresco big toes. And my favorite, “sinkers” – the kind that disappear into your shoes when you walk.
And let’s not forget those abandoned singles that have been hanging around in your sock drawer since the Obama administration.
Socks don’t last forever. And when they get old, they can ruin your day. Especially when the pair you said was “just fine” that morning has a hole worn in it before the end of the day. Oddly enough, many of us treat old computers the same way – they work fine one morning so we ignore their age; but when they crash that afternoon, we curse our bad luck.
So this post isn’t about technology. Not really. It’s about socks. And okay, a little about computers, but only because the logic overlaps.
- Time Is Money
You know those mornings when you’re running late because you can’t find two socks that match? Or worse, after digging through a basket of clean laundry, the only match you find is a pair that slides down your right ankle when you’re ten steps out the door?
You spend the day focused on your foot and seeking private moments to make adjustments – letting a sock (of all things) interrupt your busy day.
That same nuisance level applies to old computers. Slow startups, lagging programs, and unexpected shutdowns rob you of time (and sanity). Then you wait ten minutes while it reboots. It costs you unnecessary time in exactly the same way old socks do.
- Security Risks
There’s a very specific kind of distraction (or even dread) that comes from realizing your sock has a hole after you’ve already committed yourself to a long day in public. Whether it’s an important meeting or your turn at TSA security, suddenly the gap that exposes and strangles your big toe is a problem.
Then you have to listen to your inner critic give multiple performances of “If only,” “I knew it,” and “I told you so.” Time to hit the department store or order new socks online.
Same deal with computers. If they’re five years (or more) old, they probably aren’t running the latest security updates. That’s a hole in your business, just waiting to be exploited. Patch the hole if you can (of course). but tick-tock, it’s time to cue your inner clock and start looking at new computers.
- Repair Isn’t Worth It
If you find a hole in your sock, you probably don’t grab a needle and thread. (Do you even know where your needle and thread are?) No, you toss it and grab a better pair.
Yet for some reason, people spend hundreds of dollars trying to repair aging computers that are worth less than the cost of the repair and, even fixed, are limping toward obsolescence.
Let the sock go. As Marie Kondo would advise, honor its service, then move on. And when it comes to computers, trust me, nothing sparks joy like a new workstation with enough power, memory, and speed to make your day fly.
- Comfort and Efficiency
Old socks can get stiff. Or lumpy. Or stretched out in all the wrong places. They don’t breathe like they used to, your feet get hot, and you foist misplaced irritation on your shoes even though they are not the culprits.
Your comfort matters more than you think because it helps you stay focused and efficient.
You get the comparison – in old computers, the fans get loud, processing slows down, and heat becomes an issue. Modern machines are cooler, quieter, and more efficient — just like fresh socks.
- Team Morale
No, I’m not about to say that everyone on your team should wear matching socks (unless your team is a sports franchise).
But I will say that if you’ve replaced your old socks with newer pairs, you and your toes will feel better, and your confidence will get a boost. That same principle works for teams that replace their clunky old hardware with newer, faster systems. Investing in good tools tells your employees, “You matter.”
Your feet’s most important relationship is with the socks you supply. In the same way, an employee’s most important workday relationship is probably with their company-issued computer. That’s why upgrading from an old computer has a significant impact on morale.
- Plan Ahead and Save
The best time to buy socks isn’t when your last pair has fallen apart. It’s when they are near the end of their useful life, and you proactively find a sale to stock up without pressure.
Same goes for tech devices. Waiting until something breaks puts you (and your budget) in a tight spot, whereas planning ahead for regular replacements lets you take advantage of deals and tax deductions.
Final Thought: When to Check
Next time you find yourself walking funny or waiting for a file to load, ask yourself this: Is it time to refresh?
For socks, the trick is checking them frequently. Here’s a good way to remember:
When you switch clocks, check your socks.
For computers, I suggest you check their age every Memorial Day to stay aware of your computer’s length of service and remaining useful life. It’s good timing because there are often seasonal sales on replacement models.
Remember, sometimes the smallest plan can make the biggest difference.
Pictured: My “feel good” socks
