Challenge 4.4: Play Plan

Jeff HouchensStudent ID: 0004636947Date: 11/17/14 - 11/23/14

Topics of Discussion1. Concepts Learned from weeks 1-42. One part of my adult life that I

would like to change for play3. How this relates to finding a

healthy balance between work and play

4. Obstacles that stand in my way5. 3 Goals that will make will make

these changes6. Plan/Schedule to achieve goals

Image Source: http://bit.ly/1reIuDB

Concepts Learned from weeks 1-41. Week 1: Inherent attraction and Voluntary

This week the main thing I liked was the inherent attraction of an activity. I have two degrees already, but I discovered after each that I have no desire to do them after the work day is completed. With Game Design, I feel I can be drawn to the activity of designing a game even when I’m not at work because it’s something I think I can really get into all the time. I think it will be a completely voluntary activity too and I just can’t wait to get started.

Concepts Learned from weeks 1-42. Week 2: Cognitive Benefits of Play

From week 2, I took away from it that play is not only fun, but it has cognitive benefits on the brain. It helps with creative thinking, critical thinking, problem solving, language skills, and even thinking about future consequences. I already implemented a strategy to help nurture these traits by buying a dollhouse for our little girl. It’s completely bare so she has to design how she wants it to look (colors, furniture, dolls, etc.).

Image Source: http://bit.ly/1zfKRuf

Concepts Learned from weeks 1-43. Week 3: Rewards lead to poorer performance

From week 3, I was surprised to learn that bigger rewards can lead to poorer performance during a complicated assignment. I already understand that micromanagement is poor management and the best way to reach employees is through autonomy once they’ve had the proper training. The rewards system will then need to be correct for the correct type of job. What would be a good reward for a complicated task? Maybe not tell them there is one from the beginning and once it is finished reward everyone involved by taking them out to dinner. That way they’ll feel appreciated for doing a good job!

Concepts Learned from weeks 1-44. Week 4: Peak Performance Time

In week 4, I liked the idea of identifying my peak performance time. I think that I can use this strategy to identify not only my own time, but help my girlfriend and her daughter identify theirs too. We can then all focus on doing things we have to during those times and focus on doing the fun things we want to do in other times. It will help make our weeks go by more smoothly in a more organized manner.

One Change I’d Like to Make One change I’d like to make in my life would be to spend more time doing community activities. I’ve always wanted to get involved doing some type of charity or non-profit work for the homeless or the less fortunate, but I have never placed the time in. Looking at my Wheel of Life, I can see that that area is my weakest.

Healthy Balance of Work and Play

Helping the local community would:● Promote a physical activity● Help me think of creative activities that people

would like● Change up my normal schedule and introduce

something new● Be a positive influence on our child● It would be something fun to do outside the house

Obstacles?1. Finding time to do it! We already have a

full week with different work schedules, after school activities such as chorus and gymnastics, and my school work.

2. Distance to the event. Traveling may dissuade us from going out and attending the events

3. Finding an activity that is fun for us and beneficial to the community. This will encourage freedom from time and flow of play during the event.

4. Seasons in Virginia can be very hot or very cold and snowy. These things can discourage us from attending and people from coming out. Image Source: http://bit.ly/1uQBEJC

3 Goals that will make this possible1. Make a monthly schedule of tasks at hand so we can

see when we have time to do the things we have to and do the things we want to do like attend community events.

2. Find events that are local to help promote a better community where we live and keep us interested in going

3. Find local events that can be attended year round. Possibly indoor events.

My Monthly Play Planner

Play Planner GoalsIn my monthly planner, my objectives are as follows:

1. My work schedule won’t change. Sunday - Wednesday from 9pm to 7am.2. School work is due Sunday and Wednesday nights. I will try to work on it every night at work if I

have time, otherside, I will dedicate all day Sunday and Monday to completing the work. If anything takes more time, I’ll have to fit it in throughout the week.

3. Tuesdays are typically busy with work and gymnastics so I won’t have much time to do anything else there.

4. Thursdays are rest days since I’ll be coming off night shift. I can get up and make dinner for the family since I don’t have to work Friday.

5. Fridays are my play days where I can enjoy myself during the day alone. Every other Friday we’ll do some fun family events.

6. Saturdays used to be my homework days mixed in with Sundays, but I want to allocate my time in the morning for our community activities.

7. Sundays are when I can finish up any homework left over before I go to work. The last Sunday of every month, I’ll create a new monthly plan for the following month.

8. This monthly plan directs work, play and responsibilities in the most efficient way possible.