the encouragement lounge: In it for the long haul... working when you don't have a summer break

Saturday, May 7, 2011

In it for the long haul... working when you don't have a summer break

Audrey, a reader of this blog, commented on my last post, asking what about those of us who still have several weeks of classes and don't have summer break coming? I imagine she was asking about how to stay motivated and maintain your momentum?

I'll suggest a few strategies over the next few posts. The first suggestion (which I've made in this blog before, is one of my favorites):

Divide large tasks into smaller tasks and post them to then acknowledge your progress. If you have a list of assignments for your class, post it on your desk. If you are writing your thesis or dissertation or even just a long paper, write a to-do list section-by-section. Dividing large tasks into smaller ones has two benefits. First, this strategy can help keep you from getting overwhelmed. Secondly, by crossing things off your list (and keeping the list posted!) you will see your progress and this provides reinforcement.

More soon! Cheering you on in your work!

Harriet

Photo by HLS

1 comment:

AudreyMay 7, 2011 at 3:20 PM
Thanks so much! I am trying hard to finish the year out strong. Great tips :)
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Working adult students, on my mind...

I hope this blog will be helpful to friends and others involved in a variety of endeavors. However, I created the blog with students in mind and continue to develop it with that specific group as my focus.

I believe that with the increase in evening, weekend, and low-residency programs, students are working more and more in isolation. If we were all full-time students on campus, we would have the informal support that comes with being able to go down the hall and talk with a colleague, etc. But instead, we are working late nights and weekends at home in front of the laptop.

With that in mind, I hope the encouragement lounge provides brief moments of respite and energizing connection. This does not at all replace valuable face-to-face contact. Many aspects of the academic journey can only be addressed via in-depth conversations with colleagues and teachers. And I would always rather sit down and talk with someone than to communicate online. Nonetheless, my aim is to give you one more channel for quick hits of support.