How I rate my organisation skills
I think my organisation skills are fairly well developed, however I know that I am more effective if I am disciplined enough to maintain a specific routine. This routine does not have to be exhaustive, but simply a clear an accurate reflection of the tasks that need to be completed by a certain time.
Using the app Wunderlist has been a good tool and I need to make sure that this is continually updated so I don't lose focus on my weekly tasks. I also need to be more disciplined about my writing (the golden hour) which has proved to be so successful, yet I tend to find reasons not to make it a priority. Regular mindfulness practice is also something that works, but tends to get misplaced (much like any exercise).
So while my organisation skills may be well developed, my discipline to maintain these skills still needs some work.
Mindfulness
Looking back to the video of last week's performance practice, I can see mindfulness in action.
The beginning was interrupted by some unease with my sound. I acknowledged the difficulty and responded with an action to get the sound back on track and relaxed into it. Then there was a voice that said 'perform!'. I thanked that voice and opened my eyes. Later the voice said something like, 'Step it up", and I responded with some spontaneity and fun.
The point is that being 'in the zone' or 'in the moment' does not necessarily mean the internal dialogue ceases. But a suitable and mindful response 'in the moment', rather than an unsuitable and 'default mode' reaction can make all the difference to what happens next.
S.M.A.R.T Goals
Career: Complete one recorded project (40 mins minimum) within each calendar year from 2016 on, that is also accompanied by a live performance outcome.
Education: Prepare all materials and successfully complete my PhD mid-candidature review in October 2016.
Artistic: Develop contemporary arrangements for four more songs from Schumann's Dichterliebe by the start of semester 1 2017.
Attitude: Commit to (and complete) two golden hours of writing every week for the remainder of 2016.