Over the past several weeks, I’ve shared insight into how I found my way into the world of recreation, what has helped me grow, and what has made me stronger—especially through the people I’ve met along the way who became mentors. I’ve also shared leadership tips and ideas about what helps make play more impactful.
When I sit down to write my blogs I originally think I will head in one direction with the week’s topic, but then I realize it makes more sense to take a different path. After all, flexibility and adaptability are key—two themes I’ve mentioned often. Keeping an open mind is essential in an ever-changing environment. For example, you can run the same event over and over, yet the outcome will always be received a little differently by each guest. That’s often where best practices begin to take shape.
Speaking of best practices…I recently had a conversation with a few of the teams I work with, and we discussed the value of sharing our best practices with one another. To be clear, a “best practice” refers to the most effective and efficient way of doing something, based on experience, research, and proven results. It’s the recommended approach because it consistently works well.
One example I’ve talked about before is using checklists. Checklists are a best practice because they help keep us organized, reduce errors, and serve as reminders when we have a lot going on—which, in this industry, seems to be all the time.
While working at Atlantis Paradise Island, we created a set of everyday tips for success to incorporate into training. Here are some of the key tips that are all best practices worth sharing.
- Prepare and be organized well in advance. Know your schedule and always look ahead. Procrastination leads to last minute running around, and a poorer quality event or activity.
- Be set up and prepared at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time. 15-minute rule: 5 minutes early is 10 minutes late!
- Effectively communicate with others you will be working and involved with. Have a game plan in mind and discuss it with the others. (we all communicate, but do we effectively communicate)
- Be in tune with guests’ reactions and participation. Learn from your strengths or mistakes.
- Ask questions! There is no such thing as a silly or stupid question. Always listen and learn.
- Always carry paper and a writing tool with you! (I’m still old school, I remember better when I write things down)
- Have a good attitude and share that attitude with others.
When you come across something that really works, do you share it with other departments or fellow recreation professionals? As I mentioned in a previous blog, sharing ideas, suggestions, and best practices is always valuable. Not only does it help others, but it often leads to even more ideas coming back your way—sparking creativity and growth in your own area.
It’s also important to celebrate the small wins. Those moments keep us moving forward and help maintain motivation.
Speaking of staying motivated and looking ahead to the new year, I’ve started thinking about my goals. This week, while scrolling through social media, I came across a post from Mel Robbins—yes, I’ll admit, I’m a fan. She was talking about goal setting and reflecting on the positive moments from 2025 by looking back at photos. Her point really resonated with me: we tend to focus too much on what didn’t go well or what didn’t get done, instead of shifting our perspective and recognizing what did work. I love that idea.
Looking through my photos and revisiting all those great moments truly feels like a treasure—and such a treat.
Side note: I really miss printed photos and flipping through photo albums from time to time. I still catch myself pulling albums off the shelf and reliving some wonderful life moments. Meanwhile, photos on my phone are a different story. I rarely look back at them unless I’m mid-conversation, desperately trying to find “that one picture from that one time” that I can’t quite name. And of course, the real kicker is finding the photo I was searching for five days ago—while now looking for a completely different one! It makes me laugh…and stresses me out just a little. LOL.
So that’s how I plan to help shape my goals for 2026: by looking back at photos and identifying those positive moments that really worked well, then pulling inspiration from them for the year ahead. I’ll also reflect on skills I’ve gained and good habits I’ve formed—and why not add a few more?
AI will continue to be a learning journey, and I’m excited to explore what else we can use it for. As for habits, prioritizing health and exercise remains a must. I’ll also continue celebrating the small wins along the way.
My goals will include adding new contracts—from short-term one-offs to long-term partnerships—and helping build strong teams. There will always be new games to learn, new kids’ jokes to collect, and creative ways to weave them into daily activities and major events.
I keep Richard Branson’s quote close to heart: “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes—then learn how to do it later.” I love that mindset.
As I look ahead to my blog in 2026, I plan to continue sharing my story—hopefully keeping you entertained along the way—while weaving in the lessons I’ve learned on my journey. My hope is that these experiences help support your own path and spark new ideas as you continue to grow.
I would also love to make this space more interactive, inviting you to share your journey, exchange ideas with others, and ask questions along the way.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blogs. I truly hope they’ve entertained you, sparked new ideas, and maybe even given you a small break in your day that brought a smile.
As always, I’ll continue working to stay focused and grow as a writer.
Favorite Quote: “Success cannot be measured in wealth, fame or power, but by whether you have made a positive difference for others.” -Richard Branson
Next Up: Grand Openings and Other Big Events