First Week First

After the week of fire and exhortations to improve myself, I now have to start applying the lessons. Over the years I've made numerous attempts to be organized and effective. At times I've been successful, but have never sustained it. Things get in the way. Sometimes it's unexpected problems, or lack of determination that knocks me off course. Sometimes it's the responsibilities I've taken on. For instance, up until last June I was working as a high school teacher during the day, teaching 2-4 college courses part-time evenings, while getting my Master's Degree in Educational Technology at SDSU. People ask me how I did it. I don't know, I just did it. I developed the ability to work without sleep for days at a time. Then I would crash and burn for days at a time. I became an insomniac as a result. Unfortunately, I also took turns neglecting my family, my studies, my students, my friends, and my health while trying to do what was needed most at the moment. I felt like a firemen during the wildfires, scrambling to put out blaze after blaze -- having to decide what to save and what to let burn.

However, my great pride is pulling it off and being able to excel in the process. During this period I taught video production and multimedia at MVAS, (Multimedia and Visual Arts School). Each year my students won numerous awards for their work. In my Master's Program I maintained an A average (not straight A). I also improved my techniques in college classes I taught, while incorporating cutting edge technology. I made time to go on scout outings with my son and tried to attend as many of his sports games as possible. I couldn't do it all, but I did my best.

After this insanely busy period, I now crave taking a measured, sustainable approach to my life. This is why I decided to latch onto the 7 Habits. I need a method I can apply to help make orderly efforts, instead of running around putting out preventable fires.

I have no illusions about the 7 Habits. I understand Covey has a profit motive and there's no such thing as a quick fix. Knowing that, I decided to give 7 Habits every chance to help me be the person I want to be. The 7 Habits is simply one means to that end, not the only means. Ultimately it's my desire to win that will make the difference, not a self-improvement technique.

My Focus the First Week

My focus this week was to look at my schedule through the prism of the "big rock" roles I chose during the Covey training. I started really using Outlook as a tool. As suggested during the training, for the first time I used the notes feature to write my personal compass goals. Then I gave a lot of thought to my to do list. Well see what happens over the next 7 weeks.