i don’t know what it is about me but i am a very last minute person. when it comes to helping other people, i love to be as prepared as possible, but when it comes to something i am doing (like writing or speaking) i wait until the last possible minute. it’s the only way my brain seems to work.
tonight, i put together notes for the breakout session mike foster and i are leading at ministrycom08 which is a conference in oklahoma city next week (let me know if you’re coming and if you’ll be dropping in one of the two sessions on burnout). it’s been peculating in my head for the last eight months since i agreed to speak at it, but i didn’t flesh it out until now. one hour and five pages later, it’s done and i really feel good about it.
i think if i started working on it sooner, i’d probably stress myself out to the point of no return…over analyzing and overthinking it. tweaking and retweaking. but there seems to be a more organic feel to it this way…
how do you prepare for something big?
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23 responses to “don’t sweat the big stuff”
I don’t like waiting till the last minute on those deals, it stresses me out more.
i go with a simple outline, than script it, than tweak it till the day of. Just the way my brain works.
It’s a combination of starting sooner and waiting until the last minute that works for me.
I spoke at a camp this summer. 5 sessions from Colossians to a ton of Jr Highers. I landed on my text almost 4 months ahead of time. I grabbed a few commentaries, a Moleskine, and a coffee shop for three days. Had basic outlines somewhat fleshed out by the end of those three days. Then I dropped it until a week before camp. I reviewed notes. Made a few changes. Added media and put the presentations together. I spoke every night so I had the mornings to memorize and get my game on. It was well prepared but very last minute. I think I like the tension at the last minute that brings out my A game. But I couldn’t get away with that without having first completed the front end outlining work.
I do a lot of thinking about speaking/teaching assignments before I write anything down formally. Then I only go with bullets or outline, but rehearse 3 or 4 times a day for the previous few days. Then I find it’s sort of burned into the brain, and I stay more or less in the channels as I speak.
If my rehearsal happens too long ahead of time, I’ll start adding lots of stuff and going too long. However, if I’m about 20-30% longer at rehearsal, I’ll forget just about the right amount to fit into the time allowed on the day. I’m very good at forgetting.
Most of the time, I think about it a lot up until the last minute. The only thing I may do, and this is like maybe 10% of the time, is jot down very broad ideas. I agree 100% on the idea that waiting until the last minute is an organic process. It seems more real. You have less time to take yourself out of the piece, sermon, whatever it is. What you do under pressure is usually the closest you get to the real you. It’s not procrastination, it’s being real. Ha ha.
The sooner the better. Then I quit, walk away, come back the day before and tweak it. Then I’m done.
Good luck!!
I’ll get to meet you on Wed!
I tend to formulate in my head for a while and write things down right before…..usually that means the day or two before….but sometimes for Sunday school, it doesn’t happen until I get to the church (which, I will add here…I am usually an hour or so early) For a while I used two post-it note for questions and notes, stuck in my Bible at the passage we were working on….
Oh, I always wait to the last minute just like you! I think and work much better under pressure.
I have found out that this is a Myers Brigg personality trait, though, so I just embrace it now. Use it to it’s advantage.
I do try now to complete research and start thinking about what I am speaking on ahead of time, but the final draft is done very last minute.
Those I lead and work with understand this is how I operate. I share this with them right up front because I do recognize everyone does not work like this. Thank goodness there are planners on my team. I love that we have those that take care to prepare ahead and then those like me who can get things done in crunch time. I love the synergy of that kind of group and working together.
I work the exact same way. It stirs in my brain and my heart and then a day or two before the event or deadline it all starts to come out on paper. I’ve tried starting early, but it just feels forced.
It depends on how well versed I am at the topic; however, for most, I jot down notes on my blackberry till about two weeks out and then I begin inserting my notes into a template I use for presentations. Eventually, I feel extremely comfortable with the information and place it on note cards.
I’m so excited for you. You are going to do great!
I tend to work on it in my head then flesh it out at the last minute. Is there any other way?
I actually work the same way, but I prepare most of the smaller things earlier. Let’s say I’m planning an after service church event for our college group, I make sure that there’s an idea that needs to be rendered. Then one or the same day of the event, I buy or finish preparing all of the thins that need to be done.
I do not think that being a “last minute” person is a bad thing. It provides flexibility and spontaneity to an event. Seems more natural.
On bigger events, I try not to procrastinate as much. Have fun speaking.
I prepare 8 months in advance – over analyzing and over thinking it, tweaking and retweaking!! I like your process much better.
You’re going to be amazing! I can’t wait to hear all about the hearts you’re going to help heal, touch, and witness towards! I’m so very excited about your upcoming journey!
similar to you… percolate in head, schedule in some time here and there as the time approaches, then full attack just a few days before the event. The pressure helps me focus.
Anne,
Thanks so much for showing Angie and me around this morning at Crosspoint. It was great to meet you – you guys are making a huge difference!
First I visualize the type of audience I will have.
Then I put out about 4 blank sheets of paper and just write words, definitions, subject matter key words on what I think would be very relevant to the audience. Whatever comes to mind. (“7 Keys”is always great and effective).
Opening statement something to the effect of “let’s connect” and some tidbits about me. (This is where you really get their attention!)
Scripture – Outline
Remarkable ending.
Day of speaking I keep it very organized and go over it and put super enthusiasm in it for the delivery.
Day of speaking I make it a point not to be around anyone that I think will be drainy…I know that sounds judgmental but I’m keeping myself calm and READY to make it so worthwhile that they came to hear me.
Lastly, I definitely thank the Pastor or Host (Hostess) n charge of the event very warm appreciation comments for asking me to participate.
A few days afterwards I love to organize a notebook with my speeches.
I am such a huge procrastinatory. How do I prepare? I wait till the last minute and then freak myself out over it….lol. Sad, but true.
Procrastinatory???? what the heck kind of word it that???? LOL :)
cant wait to see ya anne…really looking forward to joining you on this…we are going to have a blast!….mike.
Lead-time is a swear word where I come from… I’m a hard-core last-minute junkie by design not desire… we have a very “last minute” culture in my church office that assimilates you no matter what your disposition. And also I’m a procrastinatory like Rachel. And also I’m a little lazy. It’s a perfect storm.
Speaking of which – I need the help of all of you going to ministryCOM to keep me from working through, in-between and after sessions. Meals, coffees, shoe shopping – my dance card is blank. If left to my own devices in my hotel I will have almost every adobe product chugging simultaneously and frankly neither myself nor my laptop has the RAM for it.
I humbly thank you in advance.
nooc
I’m the same way. I have to be in CRISIS mode for my brain and body to function properly – otherwise, I procrastinate until it becomes crisis mode. Very sad indeed.
My brilliance and creativity happen in the wee hours of the morning just before something is due. I have tried to recreate myself and be more “a head of schedule” but my best work has always jelled just before the deadline.
Okay, others may not find it brilliant, but I know the difference between the forced and the flow where my ability is. I can do good, solid work ahead of time, but the spark and personal touch happen later. So, I usually wait until later.