And the beat goes on…

Gotta admit it. Last week was a roller coaster. Had some down times coupled with exhilarating discoveries.

I mention the down episodes because I believe they’re just as important to an overall sense of wellbeing and positivity as happy meanderings. The “power of positive thinking” is positive in part because of the ability to discern it from the negatives. Without ups and downs, we would just have meh…an uninspiring, unexceptional life.

So, embrace the down right along with the up, let it go through, feel the pain and anguish—all within the confines of understanding that, this too shall pass.

That said, here are the upbeats since my last post:

• Went to Costco!!! For many, that would have been a pedestrian experience. Given that it’s my longtime favorite shopping experience (often akin to a kid in a candy store), I luxuriated in a visit both stress-free and fulfilling. Plus, I hadn’t been inside Costco in a month. Stocked up on just about everything I’ve been wanting, and the store itself was joyful—few people, no lines to get in except at checkout. It felt like “normal,” almost. And because there wasn’t people congestion, I didn’t experience the annoying situation of someone blocking the middle of the aisle.
• Worked out every day. Combining exercise videos, walks, and weights, I’ve worked out every day for a week and a half (way above my average of 3-4 times per week pre-COVID). Coupled with no drinking or eating after 7 until May, I’m also losing weight—on my way to regaining my “youthful” fitness instead of being the “fit fat guy” I’ve seen in the mirror for far too long. One power walk in particular, complete with ankle weights, ample sunshine and great tunes, gave me a sense of youthful empowerment and energy I haven’t felt in a while.
• Started exploring new virtual channels. In addition to Zoom, I’ve now set up Google Duo, which facilitates cellphone video calls on Android devices. This is proving to be a versatile new avenue for the full a/v conversational experience. Also was able to do a share screen with a friend on Zoom so that we could both view the same streaming content at the same time—kind of a virtual “movie together” experience.
• Moved forward on my podcasting program. In tandem with a robust audio/transcription platform, I’m exploring how to develop audio, written transcripts and interview archives with interviewees. It’s a type of “three-fer.” Whether it’s a prospect or client, I’m able to gather needed information to be used in any type of content development (article, whitepaper, et al), while generating audio and written transcription content that can be used in toto or sliced and diced into snippets, excerpts, etc. In turn, these can be used on websites, become social posts, form the basis of a series of blogposts, be incorporated into presentations, and on…and on.
• Did some “non-business” creative writing. Given that I write for a living, typically I don’t have much left in the tank for my personal creative writing. Started playing around with a few ideas that got me happily occupied and away from the stream of irritating and fear-provoking headlines.

So, all in all, a good time was had by all—me, myself and I that is. Guess that’s the new normal, at least for a while longer. Happy week, everyone. Hang in there!

Self-administered customer service is especially important right now. Try finding and appreciating people, places and things that give you joy and “customer satisfaction.” They’re all around and plentiful. This is truly an opportunity to explore and expand horizons. Give it a try.

Mark Lusky

Do you have customer service snafus or stellar experiences to share? If so, feel free to comment on this post or email your thoughts to mark@marklusky.com.