OP Planning
The above xMind map shows a tentative Action Learning Cycle plan (given circumstances do not change so drastically that I am not able to follow my pathway). As of November 13, 2015 I do not plan to move away from Andover, NH until my cycle is completed and plan to hold only part time jobs and keep my volunteering at a minimal (unless it is part of a project for my Gaia U work). The following is a quick breakdown of this cycle:
- December: OP1- LIPD
- January 2016: OP2- Teaching a PDC at Sadhana Forest Kenya
- February: OP3- Self-Taught Landscape Design
- March: OP4- Propagation and Maintenance of Plants
- April: OP5- Cycle Review
My Middle of Year presentation would ideally be between January and February while my End of Year presentation would be in April or May. I plan to be more proactive this Cycle in getting my presentations scheduled far in advance, as well as attending All Gaia Radio Calls and Content Calls early in
my cycle in order to find more Guild Buddies and have more examples of documented projects to work from. I also intend to use Skillflex Advisors early in my project work--I had my first SFA session with Jennifer in October of 2015, 2 years after beginning this program. I hope to find other SFAs that could help in my project work and develop my design skills. Lastly, I plan to speak with my advisor once a month, with the date and time set at least a month in advance for ease of planning on both ends.
I recognize this is an ambitious timeline, but careful observation of myself and my current situation has led me to decide that this is an appropriate course of action. The challenge is a great one, and because of this I am excited and motivated to stay the course I have outlined. The projects I have chosen do not require more than a month or two, as far as I can foresee from my goals and project planning. I also understand that if for some reason I am not able to stay on track I have no limits or boundaries for an end point. The only real constraint is wanting to travel (no set start date) and wanting a full-time position in a work that I love and in which I can continue learning.
Pathway Tracking and Management
The xMind map below shows requirements, planning strategies, design techniques, checklists, skill flex developments, PoDAPO descriptions, and much more for project Output Packets. I created this form to be used for each OP so that I can be sure to include every element and have an easy-to-find synthesis of Action Learning methods. I compiled the PoDAPO form into different questions and descriptions using my own words so that I am not confused by the Gaia U language. This solidified the areas of the form of which I had frequently been frustrated (and therefore ignorant and ineffective).
Maintaining Momentum
I fear the biggest hindrance to completing this cycle in the time I've allotted is my ability to keep the momentum. I easily fall into the pattern of up-down, rollercoaster motivation--working hard for a few weeks or days and then crashing due to my inability to care for myself and my surroundings. This is a sample of my weekly planning including the cycles of reflection, time management, and factoring 8 hours sleep, 8 hours work, 8 hours play and self-care. In December I will have a second part time job, so Tuesdays and Thursdays are shot for working on my OP2. I plan to spend more weekend time with my output work. Starting in January, I will have from 25-30 hours of OP work each week (as opposed to 10-16 hours/week in December).
