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Jo VanEvery, Academic Career Guide · Managing Energy: Start by noticing The quarterly planning session in January 2021 was one of the first where I tried a new model for the planning class. Instead of focusing on all the things participants may need to fit into their plans for the next few months, I talked […]
Read More »Welcome to the Library
The Library is an archive of my writing about academic work since launching this website in 2009. The top section contains the most recent additions. If you are new here, scroll down to see a few suggestions for good posts to start with to get a sense of my general approach. The Spotlight section at the bottom highlights a series of posts on a specific topic, and is updated regularly.
Most of my writing is sent to Studio members or my newsletter before appearing here. Since 2020 I’ve been creating audio versions of most new posts. They are embedded here but you can also follow me on Soundcloud if you prefer to listen.
Recent posts
Spotlight On: Optimizing Focus
Jo VanEvery, Academic Career Guide · Spotlight On: Optimizing Focus Over the years I have written a lot about focus and distraction because it is a perennial issue for academics at all stages of career. As I pulled them together for this spotlight, I deepened my understanding of the issue and how I approach it. […]
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Planning as Practice
Jo VanEvery, Academic Career Guide · Planning as a practice The purpose of planning is to enable you to take action. Making a plan helps you prioritize the things you want and need to do, so that what you take action on includes the things that are important. Planning also helps you ensure that time […]
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Juggling 101: Elements of a good plan
Jo VanEvery, Academic Career Guide · Juggling 101: Elements of a Good Plan A good plan can reduce the stress and overwhelm that you experience when trying to juggle all your different responsibilities. This is why I have developed planning classes for members of the Academic Writing Studio. In this rather long post, I set […]
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What an academic career looks like
There are a lot of different ways to have an academic career. Your academic career is affected by both your own values and desires, and by forces beyond your control. Although a lot of academic career advice suggests that there is a clear path to success, there are lots of reasons you may not end […]
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Introducing: the Academic Writing Studio
The Beginning When I started A Meeting With Your Writing back in September 2011, I didn’t even know if it would work. All I knew was that virtual accountability and community was needed, and that I was prepared to facilitate something that might help. Now, it feels central to everything I do. Participants have told […]
Read More »Spotlight: Optimizing Focus
This month’s Spotlight focuses on how to Optimize your Focus amongst busy schedules and numerous responsibilities.
Click this link to explore the whole Spotlight, or if you prefer to listen, you can find a playlist of the posts mentioned over on my Soundcloud.
Once you’ve found and protected time for your writing in your busy schedule, your next challenge is to focus on your writing in that time.
This is objectively difficult. There is nothing wrong with you. The first step is identifying the specific problem you are facing in the moment.
This month’s spotlight includes a few posts on the nature of the problem and then several posts on how to approach some of those problems.
Follow me on Twitter to see more real-time debates & discussion on how to deal with Optimizing Focus – and much more.
Enjoy your writing!
