W6D2 wAttach Wald

Weeks 6 and 7 sample DQ 2 posts:

Week 6

Completing the Portfolio of Visions journal project has been one of the most rewarding, yet challenging tasks of my educational journey. I have never been one to write down goals and objectives or establish any type of plan to achieve specific desires. I always lived by the simple motto of work as hard as you can, give everything your best effort, and see what happens. This project has given the opportunity to codify many specific things I want to achieve and the lasting impact I aspire to impart of those I am fortunate enough to meet.

 

I recently watched an NFL Films presentation on Emmitt Smith, the Hall of Fame running back of the Dallas Cowboys. Throughout his life, he was driven by goals, which he constantly updated and placed in prominent locations as a visual reminder. During the episode, his friends and family members talked about his intense drive and his relentless dedication to the development of specific goals for each year. The interviewer asked him where he learned to do this, he said, "A coach asked me in pee wee football what I wanted to accomplish. I said I want to play college football, play in the NFL, and make it to the Hall of Fame. The coach told me all those things are just dreams, until you write them down, then they become goals you strive to achieve" (NFL Films, 2017). This project has forced me to take the time to write down my goals. Now, I must take the first steps toward making them a reality.

    

Family & Home

 

Graduate school has kept me extremely busy for 19 months and my family has suffered through my inability to participate in many activities. On Oct 29, 2018, the day after this Capstone is finished; I am going to sit down with my family and establish a plan for the next 12 months. We will decide on a day each week for family activities as well as the plan for a good vacation next summer.

 

My son is in his sophomore year college and his first year and a half has been a huge adjustment for us all and difficult for him. As my schedule and workload decreases, I want to make a daily effort to communicate with him and give him more of my free time and attention. As much as a teenager wants anyway.

 

The final major goal I have is to take my family on a European vacation. I have visited 23 countries and 43 states in our Union during my military career. My family could only experience it through pictures. They have dreamed of going to Europe and seeing the sights. A major goal is to plan, save, and go on a whirlwind vacation to Europe and experience everything they have only seen in pictures.  

   

Financial & Career

 

In the next few months, I have a huge career decision to make. I have an opportunity to apply and obtain the Deputy Director of Safety job with U.S. Naval Facilities and Engineering Command. Obtaining this job would be a huge undertaking to move from IL, but mark a significant career advancement opportunity. Obtaining this job would be a big pay raise as well as open additional opportunities for advancement in Washington, D.C. 

 

With the potential to advance in my career, I hope to advance through the Civil Service ranks to the top of the General Schedule system and be a GS-15, the highest rank possible. I am currently a GS-13, and have established a five-year timeframe to obtain the highest GS rank.

 

The final goal we hope to achieve is to be financially able to build our forever home. I am not sure where that will be, but we hope to be in the financial position to budget and plan, select the location, and build our dream house.

 

Spiritual & Ethical      

 

It is very easy to put the needed time required to bolster your spiritual health on the back burner. Life is busy, but spiritual health is as important as physical and mental health. Over the next 12 months, I will make my spiritual health as much of a priority as family and work. 

 

The level of vitriol and disdain in our political environment is something I never thought I'd see.  Even in the small town I live in, there are unethical political people who have brought down the feeling of community and pride. I want to apply my skills and abilities to run for local government office and bring change to the culture of local politics for the better.  

 

Finally, after I retire, before I become physically unable, I want to participate in a mission's trip. I have heard the stories about the life-changing impact a mission's trip can have on individuals. To be a part of helping those less fortunate than I is something I have always wanted to do, but never had the time. During several deployments throughout my military career, I have been a part of helping local communities in various forms. However, taking part in a mission's trip is a lifelong, bucket list item. I think the experience would be lift changing. 

   

Reference

 

NFL Films (Writer & Director) (2017). A football life: Emmitt Smith [Television series episode]. NFL Films (Executive Producer). NFL Films.