ZARI BANKS
  • Home
  • About
  • Schedule a Call
  • Wisdom
  • Shop

90 Minutes

1/18/2018

Comments

 
Picture
I recently spent 90 minutes of a work day in a week when I only had 1.5 days for office tasks available calling companies and removing myself from their snail-mailing lists. Most of that time was spent on hold. When I hung up from the last one, I sighed deeply and almost declared it a waste of time.

It was not a waste of time. I only make it to the P.O. box about once every two weeks with my travel sked, so I always end up having to stand in line for the counter to collect a bundle. By the time I get done tossing the junk into the recycling bin, I only have enough mail for my size box.


So when I picked up the mail that time, I tore off the back covers of the catalogs so I could call and cancel the subscripts. Among the culprits were:
  • Anthony Richards (never heard of it until I looked to see who to call)
  • Massey's (again never heard of)
  • Vistaprint.com
  • Clarity Services (they claim they're a credit bureau - never heard of that one; they had me on hold for 30 mins and I even took to Twitter)
  • Bosley (hair replacement - and they were ridiculous. I asked to be removed from mailers and then the agent said, "Sure. Can I have your phone number and we'll call instead?" I said, "No!" Very forcefully, but not rude. Then he said, "How about your email?" I answered, "No (more forcefully)! I don't want to hear from you." Then he understood)
The time was not wasted; it was well spent because in just two short cycles, I won't have to toss these things anymore and my box won't be overstuffed. That 90-minute phone investment will save me innumerable minutes in the days going forward in 2018.

I also ditched an email address I had since the 90s; I'll share more about that next time. This is turning into a year of clearing out ... I'll have to keep an eye out for more of those dynamics and report back.

Now I submit to you fellow problem solvers out there around the world - the U.S. in particular - that the system of selling addresses via hidden terms in contracts is severely broken and needs repair. Who's up for the challenge? I'm not a fan of additional legislation because the government has too much control of our daily lives as it is, but something needs to change. Or perhaps there are already services who intercept your snail mail like Unroll.me does your spam email and I'm just not savvy.

I'm curious what solutions you have to offer. 
Picture
Comments

Last Trip of 2017

1/4/2018

Comments

 
Before getting to work on January 2, 2018 I flew to Seattle for my first NFL game. It was quite a year-end treat and fun way to spend New Year's Eve. It was cold, too.

The friend who hosted me is a charter seat season ticket holder with a second-row view from the 15-yard line. Wow. I was so overwhelmed with the size of the stadium, the number of people and the concessions that I didn't pay much attention to the game. I was literally calculating how much money was circulating in that small section of Seattle, Wash. for that one event.

I reaffirmed the following about myself: I prefer to watch on tv because all the other goings on are way too distracting for my eternally curious brain. Not to mention being surrounded by drunk people, spitting and spilling, is a little beyond my patience.

Anyhoo, 2017 was easily one of my hardest years in a while. More changes in 12 months than I really needed, and things were difficult until December 30th. Going to this game on the 31st was the signal of and start to a new season for me - Seattle lost and their season ended but mine was just beginning. I'll share more about that throughout 2018 as I enjoy what unfolds.

Here's a brief recap of my travels for 2017:
Seattle, WA
Virginia Beach, VA
Dallas, TX 
Seattle, WA
Moved to Seattle part time
Chicago, IL
​Atlanta, GA
Dallas, TX
Chicago, IL
Portland, OR
Los Angeles, CA
Raleigh, NC
Norfolk, VA
Tucson, AZ

I logged some serious miles flown in 2017. I'm expecting more in 2018. I bring up these travels because in April 2016 a colleague said it was time for me to start traveling and I said I didn't like to travel. I believed that until March of 2017. Then I started traveling and now I love it. My wisdom to you is: get out of your comfort zone. Do those things that you don't like to do - at least once and as long as they're healthy behaviors - and grow.

I have some mentoring sessions available in February and March and even more in April. You can book me right from this page or send email inquiries to zsolvesproblems@gmail.com.

Happy New Year!
Picture
Comments

    Zari Banks, M.Ed

    Life-Hack Strategist

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014

    Categories

    All
    Attitude
    Authentic Self
    Breakthrough Toolbox
    Business
    Change
    Coaching
    Communication
    Confidence
    Conflict
    Convergence
    Courage
    Creative Power
    Decision Making
    Deliverance
    Desperate
    Destiny
    Discipline
    Dreams
    Emotional Intelligence
    Entrepreneur
    Failure
    Faith
    Fear
    Finances
    Focus
    Future
    Goals
    Honor
    Inspiration
    Intentional
    Investment
    Mentees
    Mentor
    Mentoring
    Mindset
    Money
    Motivation
    Networking
    Parenting
    Passion
    Planning
    Purpose
    Questions
    Quotes
    Relationship
    Running
    Self Control
    Serving
    Success
    Teaching
    Testimonials
    Training
    Volunteer Work
    Wisdom
    Word Power

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • About
  • Schedule a Call
  • Wisdom
  • Shop