Why do we
tend to wait? I’m asking myself this question as much as I’m asking you.
This past weekend, The A21 Campaign, which fights human trafficking, held its BE HER FREEDOM fundraising event and celebrated the opening of its first east coast office–located right here in Charleston, SC. I’m a volunteer for the organization and yet, when did I buy my tickets? Yep. The week prior. I knew I was going. I knew my plans. But my habit to register for things last-minute was not especially helpful for those trying to get a good head count. Food and such had to be ordered a lot earlier. Now, give me a task and I’m on it. But sign-ups and ticket purchases? I suddenly turn procrastinator. It’s true, being part of the volunteer core staff, it was known I was coming, but until that ticket’s bought, nothing’s absolutely certain. I think we’ve all experienced the frustration of people dropping out at the last minute.
Now, we were BEYOND blessed that BE HER FREEDOM sold out! Yay! But earlier that week, it wasn’t even close. A big percentage of the tickets were sold in the hours right up to the event. Why do we do this? Why do we make the planners sweat it out? Are we just that busy that we’re unwilling to commit until the last second or is it something else?
Anyone ever planned a wedding and wondered why it was so hard to get people to check a box and send back the RSVP that has already been stamped and addressed? I remember before my own wedding, thinking, “What do we need to do for you people? Have someone there to lick the envelope?” I swore from then on, when I got wedding invitations, I’d reply quickly. And, I do. But now, I realize I need to extend this courtesy to important fundraisers, too. They have enough stress in their lives, trying to make the world a better place.
Are you quick to sign up for things? (I applaud you, if you are.) What personal experiences have affected you enough to change YOUR habits in order to benefit others?
I think the struggle might come down to a simple hesitation to commit for a lot of people–or at least that’s how it is with me when I know I need to RSVP for something, but I’m just…not…sure.
And yet, I’m a planner myself, so you’d think I’d be a little more on the ball. 
I’m glad the event filled up, though! Sounds like a really wonderful cause.
Hey Melissa, I think you’re probably right. We hesitate until we’re sure–especially if it’s a pricey ticket. My trouble is that unless I write down the date of the event, I tend to forget about it then. (Unfortunately, I can’t use this excuse in the case for the A21 event. I knew I was going.) The human brain, even my own, is hard to figure out sometimes. We just don’t always make sense.
It DOES sound like an excellent cause. I sign up early, because if something doesn’t go on my calendar, I will. not. get. to it. It’s how I guard my family time, how I serve, how I model stewardship of time to my kiddos…and STILL, I’ve been overwhelmed in the last two months. Next year is already largely plotted out, and I feel free to enjoy the routine, prepare for things as they come up, and relax the rest of the time.
It’s frustrating, though, when I’m planning something and others wait. I get it, but you’re right. It makes the planning stressful. I think a lot of common courtesy has gone out the window in favor of a frenetic pace. Accomplishments and experiences are often traded for relationships. It’s sad.
Wow, Bethany. Next year’s already plotted out? Way to go. I am not nearly that organized. But, you’re smart to allocate your time so specifically. There are so many pulls on a person’s life these days. I agree, too often those you love suffer for it. Smart girl.
Hi Marney. Hey, thanks for stopping by my page! I’m with you in that I tend to wait until the last minute, too. I’m not sure why that is, especially when you know without a doubt you’ll be going and need to get that ticket. Hmm…..I wonder if there are any research studies about this one. : ) Nice to meet you.
Hi Amy, so glad you stopped by. I really enjoyed your post on your children’s wise and funny sayings. Later down the road, I’m sure you’ll be happy to have thought to capture them.
So, you’re a ticket and sign-up procrastinator too, eh? I’m going to consciously try to do better. I wonder if there are studies out there that include this sort of feet dragging. I, too, like to know the research behind things I find intriguing.
Hi, Marney. Your blog looks really interesting and insightful. I look forward to reading about your volunteering adventures! Regarding my kids’ quotes, yes, absolutely. I’m glad I captured them here! A lot of times, I’ll tell myself to write things down and either I forget to do it or I forget where I wrote it. Maybe that’s in the same category as feet dragging. I need to buy a ticket today and guess what? It’s the last possible day I can buy it. : )
Congratulations on the success of your event! Uhmmm…sorry! I’m that guy that responds immediately! LOL
Bless you, Jacquie! That’s great. I will aspire to be more like you.
Hi marneymcnall,
You write good stuff up here, so please keep penning and keep inspiring!
I would like to thank you for following my blog. I hope my blog doesn’t disappoint you and that your visits in my blog have been and will always be a joyful ride.
Thank you again and I wish you a lovely day!
Subhan Zein
Well, I rarely go to an event. If I did, I would be like you waiting until the last minute.
After all, something else might come up. Great eye opening post!
God Bless You!