Sometimes we wished that we are in a better place of work. However, the grass is not always greener on the other side. It is green right where we planted it. We get weary of doing the same old routine, face the same old obstacles. During such times, we yearn for a greener pasture.
Sometimes, places we go to turn out to be a dry and parched wasteland with no opportunity to grow. However, with the right mindset, we can be aware of what could be changed and make life better for ourselves and the world around us by staying put. I often fantasize about a different lifestyle, a different way of working. I do think that this season I have to plant seeds of growth right where my farm is and in due time reap it’s harvest by loving the people that God placed right where I am.
Have you felt that the grass is greener on the other side?
I have written a post on LinkedIn titled “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong”. True to this adage, I believed that I cannot run a 12 session moral education programme for young children without a single page of lesson plan. There will be a need to know whether I have to use audio visual materials like videos or powerpoint slides or have something the learners will touch like cups or wear something on their heads.
Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan like the projector’s HDMI cable decided not to work and there is a need to change rooms. Next, the projector may decide to sleep on the day when I needed to play a video. Hence, there needed to have a back up plan to have the activity filled without resorting to the original plan. Indeed, logistics problems can happen during events of any nature and there needs to be a way to handle the audience when Murphy’s law happen.
Is it stressful when things don’t work out according to plan? Whether you are in a room full with kids or presenting to your coursemates and the video don’t work out. It can get inherently stressful and that is when you need to stay calm and composed no matter what. The best thing to do is prepare, rehearse and prepare even more!
Murphy’s law is an adage that is typically stated as: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.”
Whether you’re doing events planning or lesson planning, there are often times we may overlook this adage where we did not plan for things that go wrong. Prior planning for any event is necessary where we have to plan for things that go wrong and have a back-up plan when logistics don’t work out for example. However, as people we often procrastinate as suffering through the mundane details of life can be painful.
It is hard to see the outcome and visualize how things can work out as we might not have foreknowledge of how events will unfold. Especially when you work with human beings who have a free will to act in accordance to their emotions and desires. It is certainly not easy to work with an audience and have perfect foresight of how our plan will work out. Nevertheless, this uncertainty is what makes the magic of events or classroom teaching work out splendidly. Have you planned for something and Murphy’s law happened?
INFPs often have a natural affinity for working with children due to several reasons:
Empathy and Sensitivity: INFPs are highly empathetic individuals who possess a strong ability to understand and connect with others’ emotions. They can easily tune into the needs and feelings of children, creating a nurturing and supportive environment. Their sensitivity allows them to pick up on subtle cues and respond with care and understanding.
Idealism and Advocacy: INFPs are driven by their ideals and values, seeking to make a positive impact on the world. Working with children provides an opportunity to advocate for their well-being, education, and development. INFPs are often passionate about creating a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment for children to thrive and reach their full potential.
Playfulness and Imagination: INFPs have a natural inclination towards creativity, imagination, and playfulness. This aligns well with the energy and curiosity of children. INFPs enjoy engaging in imaginative activities, storytelling, and play-based learning, which can foster a sense of joy and wonder in both the INFP and the children they work with.
Emotional Support and Guidance: INFPs are adept at providing emotional support and guidance to others. Children often require patience, understanding, and a nurturing presence. INFPs excel in offering a safe space for children to express their emotions, helping them navigate challenges, and offering gentle guidance and encouragement.
Sense of Fulfillment: Working with children can be incredibly rewarding for INFPs. Witnessing the growth, development, and happiness of children they work with brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose. INFPs derive satisfaction from being able to positively impact the lives of young individuals and contribute to their well-being.
It’s important to note that while many INFPs enjoy working with children, individual preferences and interests can vary. Not all INFPs will feel drawn to this particular area, and some may find fulfillment in other fields that align with their values and passions.
According to Chat GPT, here are the differences between being an event planner and an event manager.
What is the difference between event planners and event managers?ChatGPT
Event Planners and Event Managers are both involved in organizing and coordinating events, but there are differences in their roles and responsibilities. Here’s a breakdown of the key distinctions:
Event Planner:
Focuses on the pre-event planning phase.
Works closely with clients to understand their event goals, objectives, and requirements.
Helps clients with budgeting, venue selection, theme development, and overall event design.
Assists in coordinating various aspects such as vendor selection, catering, entertainment, decorations, and logistics.
Creates event timelines and manages event budgets.
Collaborates with the client to ensure that their vision and expectations are met.
May have a creative role in developing event concepts and themes.
Usually involved in event marketing and promotion.
Focuses on the execution and on-site management of the event.
Oversees and coordinates all aspects of the event on the day of the event itself.
Manages logistics, including setting up and dismantling event spaces, coordinating vendor arrivals and setups, and ensuring smooth operations.
Handles on-site problem-solving and troubleshooting to address any issues or challenges that may arise during the event.
Supervises event staff and volunteers, providing direction and ensuring tasks are carried out effectively.
Manages event schedules and ensures that all elements of the event run on time.
Acts as the main point of contact for all stakeholders during the event.
Handles emergencies or unexpected situations that may occur during the event.
Ensures that the event runs smoothly and according to the client’s expectations.
While the roles of event planners and event managers can overlap to some extent, event planners typically focus more on the planning and creative aspects leading up to the event, while event managers take charge of the operational aspects during the event itself.
Is the INFP personality suited for events planning or events management?ChatGPT
The INFP personality type, characterized by traits such as being introverted, intuitive, feeling-oriented, and perceptive, can bring unique strengths and perspectives to event planning or event management. However, it’s important to note that personality traits alone do not determine suitability for a particular role. Success in event planning or management depends on a combination of skills, experience, and personal attributes.
Here are some aspects to consider regarding the INFP personality type in relation to events planning or events management:
Event Planning:
INFPs often have strong creativity and imaginative skills, which can contribute to generating unique and innovative event ideas.
Their ability to empathize and understand the emotions of others can be valuable in creating events that cater to attendees’ needs and preferences.
INFPs tend to be detail-oriented and can focus on the aesthetic and experiential elements of an event, ensuring a visually pleasing and emotionally impactful experience.
Their inclination towards maintaining harmony and considering individual values can be beneficial in working closely with clients and stakeholders to create events aligned with their vision and objectives.
INFPs’ empathy and understanding can help them effectively communicate with event staff, volunteers, and attendees, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
Their perceptive nature allows them to be attuned to the needs of different stakeholders, ensuring that the event runs smoothly and addresses any challenges or conflicts that may arise.
INFPs’ flexibility and adaptability can be advantageous in managing unexpected situations during events and finding creative solutions.
Their organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to juggle multiple tasks can contribute to effective event coordination and time management.
While the INFP personality type can bring valuable qualities to event planning or event management, it’s essential to consider that individuals within this personality type can vary in their skills and preferences. It’s important for INFPs (or individuals of any personality type) to assess their own strengths, interests, and career goals, and to acquire relevant skills and experience to excel in the field of events planning or management.
I have a job like no other. Even an events training doesn’t prepare me for the ultimate challenge of having been present for a very happy event. Happy kids swimming in a pool on a bright and sunny day.
Is a job in education industry tough? Is it all sunshine and rainbows? The answer is – it can be both exhilaratingly joyful. It can also get downright depressing when despite all the sufferings of planning exquisitely for countless lessons, children still behave in a manner where it is all lightning and thunder. With temper tantrums and episodic crying.
However, the bright side of things is that. There is sunshine after the rain. Where working with children who treated the swimming excursion as the happiest day of their lives (with expressions like a groom going to get married is priceless). It is a happy day where indeed working in education can be immensely rewarding like being an events wedding planner. Where you see happy marriages making 25 pages worth of planning worth it.
It has been three years since the pandemic and life has returned back to normalcy. So much so, I wondered where the “winter” season of work will come again. Three years ago, 2020 had been a “winter” season of work where Singapore entered a circuit breaker mode where my self-employed work grinds to a halt. It was a season of exercise, sleep and rest. It was a cycle of going to a park to see the sunrise and sunset. Setting off for the Parks to catch a breath of fresh air was the normal way of life.
Come June 2023, I felt that life has progressed at breakneck speed after working full time for close to 6 months. Given more work responsibilities, pockets of rest time since scarce at work. Having hurried lunches while sitting out at meetings answering boss at the right time to show alertness and mental agility is the new normal. A big change from sitting at benches on the parks idly and watch the sunset seemed to be a past luxury where time seemed like an infinite resource.
What used to be the “new normal” of doing the next set of exercise was replaced by waiting for a whole string of transport to commute home. Indeed, life this side of earth is full of paradoxes. This is where returning to normalcy can bring its own set of challenges from work pressure, tighter schedule to manage health and so forth.
Nevertheless, whether working full-time or not, life can still be beautiful. I recently enjoyed doing art pieces with my students like oil pastel blending of the sunset and night sky. I also enjoyed the joys of childhood by visiting the National Museum to gaze at the beauty of life and culture. With no restriction on group size going for art exhibitions events can be exciting and glamorous too.
Children may enjoy visiting the National Museum in Singapore for several reasons:
Interactive Exhibits: The National Museum offers various interactive exhibits designed to engage children and make learning fun. These exhibits often include hands-on activities, multimedia displays, and interactive installations, allowing children to explore and learn about history, culture, and other subjects in an interactive and engaging way.
Children’s Programs and Workshops: The museum organizes special programs and workshops tailored specifically for children. These programs may include storytelling sessions, art and craft workshops, guided tours, and educational activities. Such events are designed to stimulate children’s curiosity, creativity, and imagination, making their museum experience more enjoyable.
Children’s Museum: The National Museum features a dedicated Children’s Museum section, which is specifically designed to cater to the interests and learning needs of young visitors. This section often incorporates play areas, interactive exhibits, and storytelling corners, providing children with an immersive and age-appropriate experience.
Fascinating Artifacts and Exhibitions: The museum houses a vast collection of historical artifacts, artworks, and exhibitions that can capture the attention and curiosity of children. They can see and learn about interesting objects, such as ancient artifacts, traditional costumes, historical documents, and artworks from various periods. These exhibits can spark children’s interest in history, culture, and art.
Learning Opportunities: The National Museum provides educational opportunities for children to broaden their knowledge and understanding of Singapore’s history, heritage, and diverse cultural traditions. Through interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and engaging narratives, children can learn about the country’s past in a fun and engaging manner.
Special Events and Festivals: The museum often hosts special events and festivals throughout the year, such as children’s festivals, cultural celebrations, and holiday-themed activities. These events feature performances, workshops, and interactive experiences that cater to children’s interests, making their visit to the museum even more enjoyable and memorable.
Overall, the National Museum in Singapore offers a range of child-friendly experiences, interactive exhibits, and educational programs that can capture the attention and curiosity of children, fostering a love for learning and an appreciation for culture and history.
Like any personality type, INFPs have their own set of weaknesses. It’s important to remember that these weaknesses are not inherent flaws, but rather areas where INFPs may face challenges or may need to develop certain skills. Here are some common weaknesses associated with INFPs:
Difficulty with decision-making: INFPs can struggle with making decisions, especially when they are torn between multiple options or when decisions involve weighing logical considerations against their personal values and emotions. They may spend significant time reflecting and exploring possibilities before reaching a decision.
Tendency to avoid conflict: INFPs value harmony and may go to great lengths to avoid conflict. This aversion to confrontation can sometimes lead to difficulties in assertiveness or setting boundaries, as INFPs may prioritize maintaining peace over expressing their own needs or opinions.
Sensitivity to criticism: INFPs are often highly sensitive to criticism and may take it personally. They may be more prone to self-doubt or feelings of inadequacy when faced with negative feedback. Developing resilience and learning to separate constructive criticism from personal attacks can be beneficial.
Procrastination and disorganization: Due to their preference for flexibility and their desire to explore different options, INFPs may struggle with organization and task management. They may find it challenging to prioritize and complete tasks, especially when they lack motivation or structure.
Idealism and perfectionism: INFPs tend to have idealistic visions and high standards for themselves and others. This can lead to feelings of disappointment or frustration when reality doesn’t match their ideals. It can also result in a fear of making mistakes or taking risks, as they strive for perfection.
Difficulty with practical matters: INFPs are often more focused on the abstract and conceptual realms rather than practical or logistical considerations. They may struggle with mundane tasks or detailed planning, preferring to engage in more creative or imaginative pursuits.
Awareness of these weaknesses can help INFPs navigate them more effectively. Developing skills in decision-making, conflict resolution, organization, and time management can support personal and professional growth. It’s important to note that individual INFPs may vary in the extent to which they exhibit these weaknesses, as personal experiences and levels of personal growth can influence how these traits manifest in different individuals.
