Are you a “to do” person or a “to be” person? A “to do” person is someone who is well organized. They are usually a planner and actively productive. One the other hand, a “to be” person—which is what I am—isn’t a planner. They are not well organized nor are they very productive unless they are hit with inspiration. Then, look out! A masterpiece is about to be created. In fact, it’s been stated that “to be” people actually get more done than “to do” people who spend most of their time planning instead of creating.
“To be” people like to “be” in the moment. They like to be surprised by the Ah-ha moments of life, whereas “to do” people plan to be awed by arranging a visit to the Grand Canon. “To be” people simply like to stumble across it. Well, not stumble in the sense that they fall in. Ironically the down side of “to be” people is that they often find themselves falling into situations that “to do” people plan to avoid.
I’m married to a “to do” person. He’s always planning ahead while I’m always dreaming about what could be or happen if we didn’t plan and just went with the flow?! This makes my husband extremely nervous–like the time we jumped in the van and took off for the beaches of Florida.
Our son’s baseball team was on a winning streak that summer which forced us to cancel our family vacation. Wouldn’t you know it? As soon as we canceled our trip, the team lost two games in a roll. They were out of the competition. On our way home from the ball field, I suggested we go on to Florida even through our reservations had been canceled. Right away my husband rejected that idea. He feared that there would be no rooms available. “Oh, think of the adventure!” I persuaded. “If there aren’t any rooms available, we’ll pitch a tent on the beach!” I added. The kids screamed with excitement over the idea of sleeping on the beach.
Much to my surprise, my husband agreed to the adventure. We quickly threw our clothes into the trunk along with the ice chest and a small pop-up tent that was made for backyard camp outs.
As dad backed the van out of the driveway, I turned to the kids and said, “Here we go!”
Anticipation and enthusiasm filled the air. Dad still seemed a bit skeptical, but he did smile and nod his head in agreement anyway. Of course, he was probably thinking, “yep, here we go…we’re headed for disaster.”
We arrived in Destin, Florida exactly at midnight. That late hour added to the suspense. Dad was sure that no hotel office would be open at this hour and we’d have to sleep in the car. Nevertheless, he parked the van and went into the first hotel we came to.
The kids and I held our breath as we waited for dad to return from the hotel lobby. The door open…there was dad…he’s got something in his hand…what is it?? It’s a room key!! “Hooray!” we cried all at once.
After we tucked the kids in bed, I said to my husband “See, there was nothing to worry about. It all worked out and we had a great adventure with more to come.”
“Yes.” He agreed. “I never doubted we wouldn’t.” He added handing me a piece of paper with a smudge grin across his face. “What’s this?” I asked. It was a confirmation number to our Hotel. My “to do” husband had called ahead while the kids and I were packing for the trip and booked a room without us knowing. That’s what I love about him. While he must be a “to do” person, he allows me “to be” the person I am as well. There are times when this formula doesn’t work well together. That week, our two personalities contributed to a memorable family vacation.
Amy Wyatt says
Micca,
I am so a “to do” person which drives even me crazy. I often wish I were a ”to be” person. It is sort of like Mary and Martha. I want to “just be” more. I often miss important things when I am planning for other things. It reminds me of the quote… “Life is what happens while you are planning for something else.” I don’t want to miss what life and God has to offer. Anything he has planned is far better than what I could plan anyway. I just need to learn to leave all the planning and doing up to him and just “be” still and know that He is God. Thanks for this post.
Charlene Kidd says
Micca,
Our house is similar to yours, I am more of a “to be” person and Allan is a “to do”person. I have learned through having children some of the “to do” persons traits. If I did not I am sure we could be like the “Home Alone” family! I would surely have forgotten one along the way.
Blessings,
Charlene
Angela @ Refresh My Soul Blog says
Micca,
I LOVE this. I am a “to be” person completely. My husband too is a “to do” but we compliment each other. Also, I realized to make things successful in event planning it is important for me to surround myself with “to do” people. God balances us all out that way! I LOVE how He does that!
Much love,
Angela
Laura says
that is so hilarious, and so what my husband would have done! I am definitely a “to be” person! I just trust the Lord will provide!! Of course, He did! He gave me my husband who is the ultimate planner!