There is a difference between optimism and positivity, or at least the kind of positivity that tries to pretend that bad things never happen, or never happen to good people. I am an optimist. I read something recently that helped me clarify what that looks like for me. It's a bit like "It'll be … [Read more...] about Optimism in the face of uncertainty
Self-Confidence
Posts in this category discuss self-confidence and the practices that build and maintain your confidence.
Resting & recharging is preparation for the new academic year
I wrote this just before taking a 2 week holiday and mentioned how important it is to prioritize rest at this time of year. Fatigue impairs cognitive function. This is a fact. There is lots of research to back it up. It also contributes to a whole host of other kinds of ill-health. The fact that … [Read more...] about Resting & recharging is preparation for the new academic year
Autonomy in pandemic conditions
One of the things you value about an academic career is the considerable autonomy it affords you. This autonomy is not absolute and always involves making difficult decisions to manage your workload. (see Flexibility, autonomy, and boundaries and Unpacking "busy" the importance of being proactive … [Read more...] about Autonomy in pandemic conditions
Prioritising meaningful work when you are feeling overwhelmed and powerless
This is a follow up to the post about being an academic in dystopian times in which I encouraged you to : "Double down on the work that is meaningful to you. What makes your teaching meaningful to you? What makes your research meaningful to you? What makes your writing and publishing meaningful to … [Read more...] about Prioritising meaningful work when you are feeling overwhelmed and powerless
Confidence Tricks
Everyone struggles with confidence at least some of the time. While confidence can't be overly reliant on external validation, negative feedback is always difficult, and it's tough to maintain your confidence when external validation is slow in coming. Confidence also depends on things you don't … [Read more...] about Confidence Tricks
