DSS Leadership – Assignment 5
Book – “Leadership from the Inside Out”

This post is essentially the “chapter review” for chapter one. It’s where I identify areas I want to change, figure out how to change them, and think about potential obstacles which may hinder me.

Areas for building awareness:
Feelings of insecurity and shadow beliefs of abandonment are triggered by stressful situations. It would be beneficial to listen closely to the dialog inside of my head during stressful times and to objectively analyze my thoughts. Are they stemming from personal truths or are they the words of my self-doubt? What emotions do these thoughts envoke and why? Is there any proof to support these thoughts or do they closer resemble irrational, self-preservational fears?

New Commitments to Make:
I need to be more committed to my need for solitude and reflection. Beginning to write again on a more routine basis could help provide structured time for reflection and self-development. Continuing and being more consistent with my efforts at the gym and dojo can provide better work/life balance and stress management. Continuing to take vitamin D gummies will help me cope with the lack of sunlight and the inability to do outdoor activities during the winter months here in Nebraska.

Actively participating in the DSS Leadership course will allow me to continue understanding myself and others. I will actively strive to become a preceptor for my clinic by the end of the year. Committing to the LPN degree in October will provide me with a timeline for career growth personal development.

These things are in line with my values of balance and personal improvement. I cannot be my best self if I am struggling with seasonal depression. I cannot be my best self if I do not take the time to step back and analyze situations and my emotions regarding those situations. I cannot be my best self if I allow opportunities I want and have worked towards to pass me by.

New Practices to Begin:
Research into / Enroll in the LPN program at SCC
Nightly recaps of the day and how I felt during its events
Weekly reflection and self-assessment
Re-committing to a workout routine

Potential Obstacles:
Work
Weather
Finances
Emotional discord

Timeline and Measures of Sucess:
One week assessment of LPN information gathering and enrollment. Was I able to obtain the information I needed for the part-time LPN program? If not, what information could I not obtain and why?

Four-week assessment of nightly recaps. Are they going well? If not, what are the biggest factors preventing me from reflecting on my day?

Four-week assessment of weekly recpas. Am I able to reflect on my week at some point during the weekend? Am I providing myself with enough time to effectively reflect? If not, what are the biggest factors preventing me from completing a weekly reflection?

Four-week assessment of training. Minimum of two workouts at Anytime Fitness. Minimum of two workouts at dojo. Was I able to uphold my routine? If not, what were the biggest factors preventing me from working out?