Emails and phone calls

I don’t like returning emails or phone calls. It is nothing personal! Even my mom (sorry mom) doesn’t get a free pass on this one. I know I need to return her call when she starts leaving messages  like, “Just wondering if everything is ok out there….”

So I decided to make a list of things I like and things I don’t like.

Things I like doing:

  • Riding horses
  • Teaching people & horses

Things I like doing…but wouldn’t want as a job:

    • Cooking
    • Gardening
  • Mowing the lawn

Things I don’t like doing:

  • Returning email
  • Returning phone calls
  • Most office work….

The middle list surprised me a little. I didn’t intend to make it but it seemed to make itself. I like cooking but wouldn’t want it as a profession…so that middle list was born. I highly suggest making these lists.

On the list of things I don’t like doing there seems to be a theme. It also fits that I seem to do slightly better with those things in the freezing winter when I am trying to avoid going outside J

As far as the emails and phone calls go I just like people face to face the best! Also some of the issues are tough. Training advice in an email is hard at best. My advice for this often is that if you have a behavior that you have a question about how about sending a video link. I get hundreds of training questions per year and guess how many have sent me a video link to review. ZERO. I think we have found the problem people!

Also there tends to be lots of ‘urgent’ messages. Like that guy overseas who is trying to give me his millions and lots of people who need answers tomorrow. The sixth grade teacher at my kids school sent home the quote, “Failure to plan on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.”

I chose to pick that quote up as my mantra for phone calls and emails. I do get around to them…eventually…after I weed the garden…cook dinner…ride the horses….

15 Comments

  1. BillieJo Harder on May 8, 2012 at 12:25 pm

    I have followed you for years young lady and my heart hurts for you, just remember, your world may feel empty at times but your heart is full of memories and love. (((((((((((((Stacy))))))))))))

  2. Erin/IAm on May 2, 2012 at 9:54 am

    Yep, 2 hands, 1 brain, 1 heart…only goes so far. Your list & mine look alot alike…Gotta keep the passion up front, yes?

    Good Journey, Stace!:)

  3. cynontheworld on May 1, 2012 at 9:29 pm

    Delegate, delete, delegate, delete….

  4. Lila on May 1, 2012 at 7:22 pm

    I’m fine with emails but never phone calls. My entire family (except my dad) made it so that there’s no answering machine on any of our phones because we hate having to call people back! 😉

  5. bareboatcharter on May 1, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    I just LOVE this, Stacy! What a refreshing blog. No-nonsense and to-the-point. It is a, “this is me – take me or leave me” honest blog. We are all kindred spirits. 🙂 You know yourself. Attagirl!

  6. Maddiw on May 1, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    Haha me to rather ride my horse than make phone calls and emails

  7. Sandy Carr on May 1, 2012 at 1:42 pm

    Amen Stacy…adding that quote to my collection! Thanks…

  8. Katherine on May 1, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    I feel really bad………..I recently sent an email regarding my little horse and an issue she was having………..I thought of sending a video but didn’t because I wasn’t sure if you would even have time to respond and I felt it was too forward to attach video since I’m not a client. I humbly apologize for making your job more difficult. Thank you for all you do for us.

    • Stacy on May 2, 2012 at 5:44 pm

      Hey! the video would make it interesting. DO send video! I apologize if I sounded un-approachable…just not super woman.

  9. Dawn Beard on May 1, 2012 at 11:21 am

    Ahhh Stacy… you were reading my mind. I thought just last night; how can I ask Stacy Westfall’s advice on this 🙂
    There is only one of you, you have only so much time and you have to set your boundaries (even if I am outside of them LOL!) I have gotten to the point where I don’t apologize for what I need to do to make life (mine and my family) safe and sane. You gotta set and go. Bravo to you.

  10. Janet on May 1, 2012 at 10:29 am

    I think that most of us who are, outdoorsy types and have a love for horses, have the same problem. I don’t even listen to the messages on my phone. What I do like is music so what I have done is programmed different songs for the ring tones and the emails to each person in my contact list, and yes even the annoying bill collector has a special song. So this works out for me because I not only get to be with my ponies I also get to hear my favorite tunes, and I really do feel guilty about avoiding the calls.

    Oh by the way Stacy no offence taken if you don’t read this post..

  11. Darlene Flanagan on May 1, 2012 at 9:52 am

    Your list is my list EXACTLY! I too, get in trouble with mom over the phone calls. So happy to know I’m not alone. However, when I see a “Stacy Westfall Blog” in my email, it’s one of the first things I open…I can’t wait to read your thoughts and training advice. Thank you for taking time to share with us!

  12. Suzanne Butlet on May 1, 2012 at 8:38 am

    I’m right there with ya Stacy ….. actually I’d rather be outside with my horses even cleaning stalls than be inside or returning calls or emails but u do have the boys so the middle list is unavoidable going to go ride now TTYL

  13. Vicki on May 1, 2012 at 8:37 am

    I like the listing idea, Stacy. I love email, but I hate phone calls, so I can relate a little. This is a neat idea though. (Oh, and I don’t expect an answer to this comment. 🙂

  14. Annie Bauer on May 1, 2012 at 8:09 am

    I love this!! I’ll call your mom and explain it to her if you’ll call mine and do the same!! By the time I tend to all the face to face and interactive relationships in my life: God, my boyfriend, my kids, my friends, my horses (in that order), email and phone are WAY down the list and frequently don’t make the cut before my 10:30 pm bedtime each night!!

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