Thread by @CMSeg

Today, I had the honor to give a talk on time management at the #ICORIA doctoral colloquium. I believe it's important to learn healthy habits early on in your career. After all, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Here a 🧵 with some of the key points. @OpenAcademics @AcademicChatter

1. Find a topic that you are truly passionate about. #Driven to discover, as we would say at Minnesota. You will read, talk, and think about it a lot. This will cost less energy when you like the topic (also less resistance). And it makes it more fun!

2. Make a plan! I make a plan for each semester but also each week. Formulate SMART goals (specific, measurable, attractive, realistic, and time-framed). For example, read at least 3 articles on x topic this week. BUT ..

https://twitter.com/CMSeg/status/1405883112534511620?s=19

2b. How do you set your goals? Map the process! One big task (e.g. write your dissertation) can seem daunting. Break it up in smaller tasks! For example, read n articles, make a questionnaire, analyze H1, etc. That seems doable! I like this picture that captures it nicely.

2c. Now it's time to actually put the tasks on your calendar. This is a step that most forget but when are you going to do the tasks? I have a planning session each Friday afternoon for the upcoming week. Yes, writing shows up as a meeting on my calendar. Non-negotiable.

3. Build in accountability! "I need to prepare my class first, because I'm teaching tomorrow." Okay but what about research, which often has no naturally build-in accountability. You have to do that yourself. The same applies to your private life (e.g. sleep! exercise). But how?

3b. Create an accountability group. Meet each week (We do Mondays) and discuss the goals of last week, which ones you met and which not and why? Then, discuss the goals for your upcoming week. Your partner can also check how realistic the goals are and whether they are SMART.

3c. Not reaching your goals? Figure out why this happens. Then, you can think of an appropriate solution. Is it a technical error (miss skill set), psychological obstacle (anxiety) or perhaps external reality (life transition)? Your accountability partner can help figure it out.

4. Write EVERY DAY for at least 30 minutes. With every day I mean every WORK day and writing should also be broadly interpreted. I get it in early in the morning when I'm most productive✔️. That adds up quickly. But...

'I can't write in the morning' 'only when I've big chunks of time' 'I need inspiration first'. These are limiting beliefs. Have you ever thought that for teaching or a meeting? Writing is also a part of your job. Just start. It doesn't need to be perfect. If you can't, go to 3c.

4. TREAT yourself! You accomplished a goal? Treat yourself. This could be in the form of food but also think of allowing yourself some time on social media, going for a walk, watching Netflix, go to bed early, etc. Whatever works for you and gives you pleasure!

4a. Be kind to yourself. Lower your standards (and please don't compare yourself with others. This is tough. Like all of these tips, it requires practice). Communicate boundaries (I'm taking a vacation then) with advisors, co-authors. Say no to things (difficult!).

4b. My personal one: never compromise on sleep. The law of diminishing returns: At a certain point, you will no longer be productive. Stop working. Unwind. Continue after break, which could be after lunch, the next day, after vacation (planning should give you this flexibility).

4c Find a hobby! Something you enjoy doing that is not related to work. It will help you get your mind off things. There is more to life then work. Also, taking these breaks well help you be more productive in work and not burnout.

4d. Make a proud folder. We can get a lot of criticism in academia. It's easy to forget what you did accomplish and be proud of that. Collect happy memories (first conference badge, award, student email) and go back to it when you are feeling low. We can all use that sometime.

I know. It's easier said, then done. They take practice (I'm not perfect either!). Not everyone is the same. Keep in mind this is research-based, not on my personal experience. Want to learn more? @NCFDD has great programs and tips in the Monday motivator or check this reading: