PoppyRow

So I’m doing a lot better than expected with my new tackle the day tactic. I usually quit newly-formed habits after 24 hours, but not always. I ‘ve already discussed the budget and the weight-loss, so I won’t go into unless askled - but the idea is that on occasion I follow through with a plan into a long-term commitment. I think Judy hit the nail on the head in her last comment. You become completely overhwelmed by the problem or issue, and you stand there staring - you know, the deer in the headlights routine.

For example… I recently sold something on Ebay, this knitting device-machine-thing, that I had tried out once like four years ago. Lately, I am really into discarding, donating, or selling items I have not used in the last six months, so the sweater knitting machine thing had to go. I checked in the box, everything seemed to be in order, and listed the item. I was hoping to get maybe $50, but imagine my surprise when it sold for over $90! Happily, I received payment, and shipped it out with a big “Thanks!” scrawled on the brown paper package.

Within a few days, I get an email from the seller. There are two things missing! I begin to panic. My reputation on Ebay is really important to me, I don’t want negative feedback! So, how am I to fix this? I have no idea where those parts are, or how they ended up missing! So, I call the company and leave a voicemail. I call then next day and leave a voicemail. I figure, they’re a company, they’ll get back to me. A week passes. Nothing. I am feeling guilty about the whole transaction, but I am petrified to address the situation. My husband says to buy another one for the parts and then re-sell the new one stating it’s missing parts. But we’re sure to take a loss with that plan. It occurs to me I can only either #1: offer to refund her money and get the machine back or #2: try to get the replacement parts. The latter option is much more desirable, obviously.

I am really dreading calling this company, but I grit my teeth and determine I will call them once every five minutes for an entire day if need be, until someone picks up the phone! I dial the number, and lo and behold someone says hello! I tell them the problem, and they are very kind, offering to mail the items free of charge, and throw in an extra instruction manual and DVD as well. I immediately email my buyer and tell them the good news, and she writes back that she is thrilled and can’t wait.

A huge, and I mean HUGE weight was lifted off my shoulders! Yes- another thing crossed off my list. And that’s what did it, by the way. My new list system. It’s working so far, so good. I’ll tell you more about it next time, but it’s working. As for me, I’m thrilled. And a lot less guilt-ridden. And that works for me