Blog

A dirt path diverging into two in a leafy green forest.
Academic life

Tough decisions: knowns and unknowns

When facing tough decisions, the first piece of advice we turn to is the good old list of pros and cons. But anyone who's gone through this exercise for something more complicated than picking an ice cream flavour knows that the list doesn't magically reveal your choice. Not all pros and cons are created equal.… Continue reading Tough decisions: knowns and unknowns

An empty wooden bench in the foreground with a misty pink view of trees and and a hazy purple sky.
Academic life

A restful and productive sabbatical

I'm just starting my 2nd year-long sabbatical. A privilege, I know, only afforded those with tenure-track/tenured positions and a decent employment contract. My 1st sabbatical didn't really go as planned (I guess we all know what happens to best laid plans). But I did learn a few things and get some good advice that I'd… Continue reading A restful and productive sabbatical

Close up of an iphone screen focused on the email app icon, indicating 6753 unread messages.
Academic life

Change your email habits, change your life

If I had to pick one change I made in my work life that made the biggest difference, it would be how I approach email. I know from working with dozens of clients that email is one of the top issues getting in the way of writing, time management, and general peace of mind. Despite… Continue reading Change your email habits, change your life