The first IFP sessions went quite well. We completed an activity wherein we had to build a lego structure with specific goals in mind which we couldn’t tell anybody else about. While striving to accomplish our goals there came a point where we were inevitably against the goals of someone else. The fact that we couldn’t verbally communicate made it very hard for us to explain to each other that we were not trying to sabotage their goals but just accomplish ours. This was a great exercise for enhancing our communication skills as we realised how important they were quiet soon. After the activity was over, we sat down together and reflected on what we could have potentially done better. The unanimous idea was that we needed to be more patient and understanding towards each other.
Through IFP, I hope to show commitment and resilience. This is because attending IFP sessions every week from 4.30-6.00 commitment and perseverance. It is especially important to remain committed to the activity for the final outcome to be successful. I maintained my motivation for this activity by thinking of the final outcome (learning about peace building and putting it into application). Others helped me maintain my commitment levels by encouraging me to push forward when I was tired or tried to motivate me by reminding me of the wonderful opportunity that this is.
Something that affected my commitment levels a lot was that I had a lot of deadlines/tests surrounding the days of the sessions so it was quite difficult for me to remain motivated to attend all the sessions. However, I did attend all sessions by utilising my time from 3-4.30 to complete all pending tasks. This also taught me self management.
