Event Evaluation
Easter celebrations are behind us and summer planning is in full swing. Many of these events happen yearly (like vacations, field trips, Vacation Bible School, camp, etc.). This post explains how to save yourself a lot of trouble the next time around.
The key to minimizing mounting stress and trouble when planning major events is planning. Yes, for some that is a dirty word, but it doesn't have to be.
I tell people I'm organized out of self defense. It's true. I got tired of stressing out because I couldn't find x, y, z or because a project snuck up on me and I had to rush to get everything done sacrificing sleep and sanity in the process. I got tired of discovering I was supposed to be in two places at once because I forgot a prior commitment. I got tired of crashing from exhaustion following an event or project I'd sprinted to prepare.
I finally had enough, so I started planning and organizing. You can too.
You don't have to be one of those hyper-organized people on YouTube with a pantry that looks like a chest of drawers (though I sometimes envy those with that kind of commitment and discipline).
Just take it one step at a time.
For example, after one big event this summer (vacation, camp, or whatever), ask yourself four simple questions and write down the answers. Put them with somewhere you know you will see it next time you begin planning that event.
CAUTION: Don't hide your notes in "a safe place." We all know that means you'll never see it again. Instead, think about how you started preparing for the event. How did you start? How can you connect your notes with that starting place?
Now that you know where to put your notes, here is what you write down.