The Producers’ Approach to Life: Beyond the Office
The holidays are upon us once again, and while it's undoubtedly a special time of year, it can also be quite stressful. Balancing our regular day jobs with an ever-expanding to-do list becomes overwhelming. Gift shopping, wrapping, grocery shopping, cooking, parties, and cocktails—all of these contribute to December feeling like an endless task list. And let's not even mention the challenges of travel during this bustling time! It's a wonder we can focus on work with all the personal life excitement.
The fantastic news is that being a producer gives us a unique advantage during the holidays. Taming chaos is our forte in the professional realm – it's what we do, and we do it well! Being a producer extends beyond the office walls; it profoundly influences how we navigate the complex fabric of our daily lives. The skills honed in the diverse role of a producer go far beyond project management, shaping the way we handle everything from managing our homes, families, pets, and finances to travel planning and even cleaning the house.
In my personal life, I approach everything with a strategy. It's somewhat of a running joke in my family – if anything needs planning or a hefty task demands attention, my husband quips, "Rebecca, can you please produce this?" And I'm more than happy to take on the role. For instance, when I organize a trip, I meticulously plan itineraries, accommodations, and activities, always leaving room for those days we just want to lounge around.
As producers, we excel at coordinating events, whether it's dinner parties with friends, family reunions, or holiday events. We have a knack for ensuring all the details are well-thought-out in advance, and everything runs like a well-oiled machine. This is because we plan ahead, coordinate logistics, and anticipate the needs of everyone involved.
Take, for example, a few years ago when my husband and I teamed up with my brother and sister-in-law to host an early Thanksgiving dinner, bypassing the chaos of the actual day and allowing everyone to save money on travel costs. With over 50 people on the invite list and a mountain of food to prepare, I naturally took the reins. I crafted a spreadsheet detailing all the menu items, devised a short schedule for tasks and deadlines, and assigned responsibilities to each member of our small hosting team. We collaborated on cleaning the house, grocery shopping, and decorating. My time management skills kicked in as I meticulously planned our cooking schedule to ensure everything was ready to go by dinner time.
This holiday season is no exception. My husband and I are meeting friends in Southern California for the week of Christmas, and with the festivities around this time, there's quite a bit of planning to do. Apart from making dinner reservations, there's the excitement of exploring must-visit places, planning and booking our daily activities, and considering any special holiday events in the area.
In essence, being a producer is not just a job; it's a way of life. The ability to juggle various responsibilities, empathize with others, and navigate complex relationships becomes ingrained in the producer's identity, shaping the way they approach both professional and personal challenges. We are problem solvers, ever adapting and improvising to create a memorable experience for all.
Life is one big production, and we're the producers – scripting, directing, and occasionally ad-libbing our way through the chaos. Embrace the madness, toss in a dash of humor, and remember, every day is a new scene to produce. Most importantly, enjoy the holidays with your family and friends!
