The Pull of the Past and Future
Ever catch yourself living three months, or even three years, ahead of where you actually are?
You're not alone. It's easy to get stuck in the future and miss the present, whether you're worrying about your career, planning a move, or constantly wondering what's next.
Why We Get Stuck in the Future
Your brain is wired for prediction. This evolutionary trait helped our ancestors survive. Today, it often manifests as overthinking our career, relationships, or life path.
Anxiety lives in the future. A common aspect of anxiety is dwelling on "what ifs" or worst-case scenarios. If you're a high-achiever or have a strong inner critic, your brain might push you to anticipate the next move to protect you from failure or uncertainty.
Modern culture reinforces forward-thinking. We're constantly encouraged to plan, produce, and work towards the next big thing, rarely to pause and simply be. It's no wonder our minds resist the stillness of the present.
Why Event Managers Are Always Looking Ahead
Our job demands it. Event planning is about the future. From Idea to Event, we're always working towards a date that hasn't arrived yet.
The "what ifs" are real. The industry thrives on meticulous planning, which often means anticipating every potential problem. Our minds constantly running through worst-case scenarios.
Client and stakeholder expectations. There's a drive to innovate and deliver more. Clients are often already asking about the next event before the current one is over, reinforcing the need to always be looking ahead.
Industry culture. The fast-paced, high-pressure environment often glorifies being constantly busy and planning the next big thing, making it hard to pause and appreciate current achievements.
The Impact of Future-Focus
While forward-thinking is crucial, being pulled into the future can lead to burnout, increased stress, and a feeling of disconnection from the very events you work so hard to create. You might miss out on celebrating your hard work.
Practicing Presence in Event Management
The good news is that learning to return to the present moment is a skill, not just a personal trait. It can enhance your well-being and even your event outcomes.
Ground yourself during key moments. During high-stress planning phases or even mid-event, take a brief moment to use your senses. Name three things you see (e.g., the venue layout, your team, a happy attendee), two things you can hear (e.g., music, conversations), and one thing you can feel (e.g., the pen in your hand, your feet on the ground). This quick mental check-in can bring you back.
Mindful engagement, without pressure. You don't need a meditation retreat to be mindful. It could be as simple as truly tasting your coffee during a morning site visit, or fully listening to a speaker during a session you've planned. The goal is to notice when your mind drifts to the next task and gently bring it back.
Acknowledge current successes. Instead of immediately jumping to the post-mortem or the next project, take time to genuinely acknowledge what's going well right now. Celebrate small wins with your team, even during the event. This shifts focus from constant problem-solving to appreciating progress.
Use intentional self-talk. When you find yourself spiralling into future worries, try a simple affirmation: "I'm prepared for this moment," or "This event is unfolding as planned." These small phrases can help retrain your brain to feel more secure in the present.
Being present in the fast-paced world of event management takes conscious effort. But by practicing these techniques, you can reduce stress, enhance your enjoyment of your work, and ultimately, create even more impactful events.
How do you bring yourself back to the present amidst the whirlwind of event planning?
