If It Falls Apart...

The organization of any large-scale event is no trivial task. For instance, putting together an issue of the Iron Warrior requires many pieces to fall into place before you actually have a chance to get a copy in your hand. Every issue must have sufficient written material to fill up space, the articles must be edited and laid out before it is put to print. It takes a remarkable amount of work to get a single issue out to you, yet somehow we always get the Iron Warrior printed for your reading pleasure. Think of what the editors must go through when there is insufficient material to make a complete issue at the deadline.

I know the stress and panic associated with having a deadline fast approaching having barely sufficient time and resources to complete the task at hand. However, when it comes down to the crunch, things somehow seem to work out. People in the end come through with their part. People generously sacrifice their own time to help you complete your task. Sometimes, the magic of people and their commitment astound me.

For example, I have organized several large events where things looked pretty dismal right up until less than 24 hours before the event. I was pulling my hairs out trying to get things done. To my knowledge, the only part completed was my own. No one else seemed to be doing their part. However, when I consulted the other organizers, some had done some tasks that I had not anticipated. Numerous items on my "to-do" list for the event were crossed off without me having to do anything. All the things I was not expecting to get done got done in a very weird and unexpected fashion. Some unknown people offered help and assistance. Resources came from unexpected sources and people graciously offered their time to help out. And to top it all off, the event was probably the best one we had run to date.

This isn’t to say that you don’t have to worry about getting things done, but I believe now that when the pressure is on, you can put your faith in other people to help you out. We have all been on both sides of the coin, desperately needing help as well as sacrificing your own time to help out other people.

So, if you are doing any organizing, relax. There’s no point in stressing yourself out about something that is out of your control. If you are helping out in organizing an event, do your part and more if possible, it will make everyone involved happy.

Have faith in your fellow humans.