Have you ever had a week where you planned something special that was very important to you?

 

Better yet, I like the quote by the late Bobby Unser- “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.”

 

Let me tell you that last week was one of those weeks, with two projects that required my full attention.

 

I started both projects in early January 2023, with both being back-to-back. Today, I’m counting my blessings for the success of both.

 

On top of that, one of my nephews connected two printers for me yesterday, which required his technical support.

 

I am truly counting my blessings this morning.

 

As I thought about what I wanted to write about, one word that describes it best is teamwork.

 

In a recent article published on March 17, 2023, by Sanjana Gupta, Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: The Importance of Working Together” there is a phrase, “Teamwork makes the dream work.”

 

The phrase “Teamwork makes the dream work” essentially means that dividing tasks and responsibilities among a team can lead to better outcomes than a single person doing the same task, says Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and professor at Yeshiva University.

 

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: The Importance of Working Together (verywellmind.com)

 

I must tell you that I have heard it before; however, this past weekend was a reality of teamwork making the dream work.

 

Never in my wildest dreams would I have been prouder of both projects. Both projects were two-day events, so I am counting my blessings that Murphy’s Law didn’t show up. Murphy’s law is an adage or epigram that is typically stated as: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.”

 

Nothing went wrong to derail us, not that I didn’t think it would; however, various outcomes were met beyond my expectations.

 

The first project involved five other people’s assistance, and the second was much more significant. Although I was responsible for the Public Relations portions of the second project, others had tasks as well.

 

In all cases, preparation is critical. Without a doubt, the first project required five other people to assist me. The bottom line is that I had multiple Zoom call sessions with an in-person session of the facility before the event. The project was a two-day event for the team. We made history as Toastmasters supporting Alabama A&M, an HBCU, during the 85th National Association Dramatic Speech Art (NADSA) Conference. The 85th NADSA Conference theme was “create, collaborate, celebrate.” This project was my Distinguished Toastmasters Project (DTM) to support the community. I could not have asked for a better group of individuals I reached out to in mid-January 2023 to assist me in this venture. I am truly humbled and grateful for their support.

 

NADSA (thenadsaconference.com)

 

The second project was a Toastmasters Project; the only difference is that it was at a higher planning level; it was our District Spring Conference.

 

Imagine a family reunion of various Toastmasters Clubs within Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Florida, all meeting in one central location for two days. That’s how big project two was!

 

Planning alone takes plenty of work; when there are resources, registration, and people, along with time and energy. Notwithstanding, you are bound to have a few challenges.

 

I’m proud to report it was well attended, and not only that, but we also remained in the black for our revenue.

 

Although I learned many lessons throughout the District Spring Conference project planning, I’m counting my blessings because it was an absolute success!

 

People often attend an event without knowing the magnitude of planning required to make it a success.

 

Ultimately, my role was communicating the vision, which meant preparing the district for this yearly event.

 

Even people who are bad at communication can articulate well if they prepare. Because our team was knowledgeable and confident about their skills, we improved as we communicated the plan until the day of the event.

 

Ultimately, all individuals in both projects were like well-oiled machines, firing on all cylinders or pistons.

 

It’s safe to say that each task had its moving parts. Without the teams’ help and assistance, we could not operate and would, at best, cause others to stop or, worse, break the momentum of what was required.

 

The first project involved five other people’s assistance, and the second was much more significant. Although I was responsible for the Public Relations portions in both projects, others also had tasks.

 

As I think about the second project, I’m also counting my blessings for the team’s leadership.

 

We all showed confidence and could solve problems based on the challenges presented. We also had effective management in place.

 

Although I’m telling you that I’m counting my blessing sounds different, but it’s true. I guess you had to be there to see the benefits of both project experiences.

 

The experiences received this past week made it to my gratitude journal for various things to be grateful for because God’s grace made it all possible. I must give “Him” all the glory because I didn’t do it alone.

 

As I prepare to close, I’m reminded of what Joe Namath says “First, I prepare. Then I have faith.”

 

It was a combination of preparation and faith that I can count my blessings!

 

Or, as Joe Gibbs would say, “A winning effort begins with preparation.”

 

Each one of us has something we can count our blessings for, regardless of how big or small. How are you counting your blessings?