Budget-Anxiety (and Increasing Confidence), Emotional Intelligence and Leadership, & Video Games as a Self-Efficacy Tool
The semester is in full swing now. I have survived, but it was a crazy-busy week (in a good way). I still feel intimidated by the MUCH larger budget I manage, but I am feeling more comfortable with that already as well. The actual amount is more of a psychological thing. In practice, it is not so different from smaller budget amounts. The same budgeting principles apply (but there are also some differences due to the magnitude...and I feel confident I can do this well).
I'm currently in a situation where I am shopping around and will be spending a pretty large chunk of change. THAT feels somewhat intimidating, if I look at it big picture, which I do need to do. But using that big picture to break it into smaller chunks does wonders. I will be working on that stuff today and will have a plan to get this done tomorrow. I really am looking forward to showing them my awesomeness in this situation.
Then I can move on to other things,
Like I keep saying, I love these challenges and the mental stimulation involved.
But this particular issue has been my priority and most immediate focus all week, and it currently still dominates my other priorities. Part of the problem is inheriting a budget and researching back what has been spent, when, where, and why. The transition between directors and my somewhat late start at a critical time has presented more challenges. This combination will lead to some other consequences, but I have a good grasp on that as well.
But I feel good about how I have been handling this.
I look forward to when it will be "my budget."
What I am not as proud of with my performance is how I have been implemented needed changes with the work group. I have not been tended to the work groups needs or feedback very well, and it has left them feeling thrown off. That is totally on me, so I have to address it. Re-evaluate and tend better to the emotional state of cohesion of the group. I may have to pull back on some things and give them more agency in helping with and planning these changes.
This, too, I can turn into an opportunity for growth, for me and for the group, and for each individual. I've been becoming very big on the concept of emotional intelligence and how that relates to successful leadership. My training in counseling really puts me at an advantage there, I believe.
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My boys are doing well in kindergarten. We had an open house, and I was impressed with how the teacher praised their ability to listen well (we've been working on that), their enthusiasm, and how well they are doing with letters and starting to read. So proud of them. I especially rewarded the the listening praise.
I have also been working on helping to cultivate a positive attitude for difficult/frustrating tasks, and I am starting to see pay offs already. They are now telling me how when they accomplish something difficult, they kept telling themselves they can do it (they were getting in this habit of saying things like, "I will NEVER be able to do it," which was worrying me) and how that is directly translating into what I am seeing in an increased willingness to persevere and eventual success. Love it!
I know it can be anathema to discuss video games as anything else but a terrible thing for children, but I disagree...if used properly and with intention. It can be used a positive tool that can help with confidence, competition, and increased self-efficacy in other areas, including academic.
I am not a fan of the violent video games for my children, but research is showing they do not necessarily promote increased violent tendencies. Anecdotally, one of my nephews played a lot of very violent games when he was younger, and I was worried how that may affect him. But he has matured in a very accomplished young man who is doing very well academically and in his numerous extra-curriculars.
I'm currently in a situation where I am shopping around and will be spending a pretty large chunk of change. THAT feels somewhat intimidating, if I look at it big picture, which I do need to do. But using that big picture to break it into smaller chunks does wonders. I will be working on that stuff today and will have a plan to get this done tomorrow. I really am looking forward to showing them my awesomeness in this situation.
Then I can move on to other things,
Like I keep saying, I love these challenges and the mental stimulation involved.
But this particular issue has been my priority and most immediate focus all week, and it currently still dominates my other priorities. Part of the problem is inheriting a budget and researching back what has been spent, when, where, and why. The transition between directors and my somewhat late start at a critical time has presented more challenges. This combination will lead to some other consequences, but I have a good grasp on that as well.
But I feel good about how I have been handling this.
I look forward to when it will be "my budget."
What I am not as proud of with my performance is how I have been implemented needed changes with the work group. I have not been tended to the work groups needs or feedback very well, and it has left them feeling thrown off. That is totally on me, so I have to address it. Re-evaluate and tend better to the emotional state of cohesion of the group. I may have to pull back on some things and give them more agency in helping with and planning these changes.
This, too, I can turn into an opportunity for growth, for me and for the group, and for each individual. I've been becoming very big on the concept of emotional intelligence and how that relates to successful leadership. My training in counseling really puts me at an advantage there, I believe.
-------
My boys are doing well in kindergarten. We had an open house, and I was impressed with how the teacher praised their ability to listen well (we've been working on that), their enthusiasm, and how well they are doing with letters and starting to read. So proud of them. I especially rewarded the the listening praise.
I have also been working on helping to cultivate a positive attitude for difficult/frustrating tasks, and I am starting to see pay offs already. They are now telling me how when they accomplish something difficult, they kept telling themselves they can do it (they were getting in this habit of saying things like, "I will NEVER be able to do it," which was worrying me) and how that is directly translating into what I am seeing in an increased willingness to persevere and eventual success. Love it!
I know it can be anathema to discuss video games as anything else but a terrible thing for children, but I disagree...if used properly and with intention. It can be used a positive tool that can help with confidence, competition, and increased self-efficacy in other areas, including academic.
I am not a fan of the violent video games for my children, but research is showing they do not necessarily promote increased violent tendencies. Anecdotally, one of my nephews played a lot of very violent games when he was younger, and I was worried how that may affect him. But he has matured in a very accomplished young man who is doing very well academically and in his numerous extra-curriculars.
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