Which is more fulfilling to you, planning an event, or reviewing how it went after the fact? Has your preference changed over time?
Share why if you wish.
Asking — and answering — life's interesting questions
Which is more fulfilling to you, planning an event, or reviewing how it went after the fact? Has your preference changed over time?
Share why if you wish.
I’m not much of a planner, and I do like debriefing after an event. I think I’ll choose the memory that I have made over anticipation.
Quite honestly, as someone trained as a community organizer, I try to do both. In my professional life, planning is essential. I need to think through how a legislative campaign should unfold, who needs to be involved, how we’ll celebrate both large and small victories along the way, and what strategies will best move us toward our goal.
Evaluation is just as important. One principle I learned is that every worthwhile event deserves an evaluation. I’ve extended that idea to organizing and advocacy campaigns more broadly. Reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and why helps ensure that each campaign makes the next one stronger.
In my personal life, I also spend time planning for the different roles I fill—husband, friend, advocate, and others. For example, when it comes to my emotional well-being, I regularly ask myself what will help me cultivate a satisfied mind, and then I make plans accordingly. One standard I try to hold myself to is that my commitments should serve me—or, put another way, they should align with what matters most and contribute to a meaningful life.
A couple of times each year, I also take what I call a sabbatical. It’s really just a few days away from my normal obligations to reflect on how I’m doing. Those breaks give me the space to evaluate whether my life is aligned with my values and whether my plans are helping me become the person I want to be.
I love planning events, trips, experiences, etc. I planned during my years as an college director of orientation, and later as a professor of academic writing. But in my heart of hearts I am a planner. My enjoyment of planning comes through the excitement and thinking forward to the experiences that will happen during an event or trip. Right now, I am anticipating my daughter’s wedding in October, and although I am not the main planner, I enjoy doing my small part to make this season in Bethany’s life beautiful and memorable.