This is a portfolio example for reference only

 

In this workshop we reviewed how poor planning can be a major source of anxiety and that planning can be facilitated by goal setting. We looked at:

  • The definition of a S.M.A.R.T goal and applied it to our own circumstances
  • How 'idealised goals' can be more difficult to measure and therefore not as effective as a specific measurable goal.
  • Goals can be sorted as tasks that lead to a major or keystone goal. Tasks can be sorted using the 'Post-it' method.
  • Having a 'real' perspective of your available time is important BEFORE making plans.
  • Regularly working towards the goal, but also take regular breaks to re-charge
  • Use visualisation as a method of practice - can be done practically anywhere!
  • Start to get a sense of your strengths. Name them and claim them. Then they can be a valuable tool for success.
  • Mindfulness is a practice that can help to de-clutter the mind.
  • Like anything, it takes practice, but the positive outcomes can be significant.

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.

S.M.A.R.T Goals article