I Tried Planning Without the Plan

Last year, a few students from the Department of Digital Media Arts (DMA) and I had this idea for a series of organized meetings where people could share art and concepts, receive feedback and suggestions, etc. Unfortunately, that idea sort of drifted to the back of the filing cabinet. That was until a friend of mine came to us with some reasons why this idea fell apart and suggestions for how to bring it back and finally actualize the project. This gave me the idea that if anyone else is thinking about starting a group project of their own, I could share the issues and suggestions my friend brought up while adding a few of my own.

Why It Fell Apart

The main reason, as simple as it may be, is that we did not have a clear plan going forward. We went to the building site without blueprints and were left to stare at the empty space, tools in hand, not knowing where to start. So then, the idea became nothing more than a passing conversation topic collecting dust.

Ways to Keep the Idea Alive

• Have a clear base for the idea. There should be a shared consensus on what you will be doing, when it happens, where it happens, why you want to do it, and how you will carry it out.
• Do not just say “It’d be cool to do this”; take initiative. I myself am guilty of lingering in the conceptual phase of any project until I forget about it altogether. Yes, have an idea going forward, but do something to make even a bit of tangible progress.
• Find people who would be interested. This may not apply to every project, but it is an effective way to get suggestions and circulate them through your group, spread the word about your project, and nurture your own and your peers’ investment in the project.

There are plenty of projects to be involved with at Huntington University. If you are looking to join an existing activity on campus, visit huntington.edu/Student-Life/Student-Activities and see what interests you.