Tag Archives: productivity

Why being Busy has Made me Happier and more Productive

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Last year, when I was just starting out at Scripps, I would try to leave the majority of my weekend free so I could get schoolwork and other errands done. Having events and obligations to work around seemed like it would limit my productivity, so my solution was just to plan absolutely nothing. At the time, I truly thought this was the “responsible” thing to do, because it meant that I could get more done, and thus feel better about myself. I definitely did get a lot done, but looking back, I don’t think it was the most effective means for managing my time. The thing is, I turned down a lot of opportunities to go to meaningful social events because I was convinced that I needed to get ahead for the week. Instead of taking the two hours on a Saturday night to go to an event that would have connected me to others and made me happy, I would spend those two hours in the Clark dorm computer lab. The problem with this was that I could have done the work during the day and then gone out at night, and still have gotten the exact same amount of work done, but because I wouldn’t plan anything all day, I would be more likely to procrastinate during the day because I didn’t have any events to work around.

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This semester however, I have scheduled in a wide range of various social events and extracurriculars (many of which are off-campus). At the beginning of the semester I was worried I would get behind on school-work or other responsibilities, but I’ve actually done a much better job at managing my time when I have more things planned. For instance, every month or so I go away for the entire weekend for Ultimate Frisbee tournaments. I never end up doing homework on these weekends, but somehow it always ends up working out because having the knowledge that I am going away gives me an incentive to cross things off my list ahead of time so I don’t have to worry about it as much during the weekend. These weekends have also helped me learn how to prioritize certain assignments and tasks over others. Sometimes you can’t get everything you need to get done without sacrificing your mental or physical health, and I personally value my health over good grades or productivity. Thus, I have learned how to prioritize what needs to get done first, what can be done later, and what can be done someone hastily.

In addition, I also used to feel oddly guilty for planning too many “fun” things during my weekend, because I would sometimes hear my peers complaining about how they “got up at 5:00am to study for an exam,” or how they had “spent the entire weekend in the library,” and I would feel oddly competitive, like I had to prove that I was a good student.

Something I have really learned in college is that there is really no use comparing school or work schedules with others. Unlike high school, everyone’s college schedules are so incredibly different given the nature of how varied scheduling is for classes, jobs, and extracurriculars. Another thing I have realized, is that there is always someone who is doing more than you, or who is more productive than you, and at a certain point it’s out of our control and not worth feeling bad about. Plus, being balanced and well-rounded is extremely important in my opinion, so even the people who seem like they are absurdly productive and have it all together might actually be super stressed and unbalanced the majority of the time.

Doing school work is important. Working is important. Doing laundry, running errands, and paying bills is important. However, going to dinner with friends, eating chocolate, taking walks outside, playing sports, going to parties, and reading for fun is also important. Taking the time to do things I love has made me more productive in the long run, because when I don’t schedule in fun things, I inevitably burn out and lose interest. Of course, there is a fine-line between having a schedule that keeps you motivated and busy in a good way, and having a schedule that makes you stressed and busy in a way that is damaging to your health. It is important to know yourself, and plan a school and work schedule that is based off of your individual needs and stress-level, rather than anyone else’s.

Dealing with Grief and Loss in the Workplace

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CP&R Blogger Dani shares her thoughts on dealing with grief in the workplace

Source: Faces and Voices of Recovery Website

Source: Faces and Voices of Recovery Website

Death is one of those confusing and abstract forces that affects individuals in such varied and tangible ways. It can be extremely painful, and at times it can seem to permeate and envelop our entire beings.

We all have likely lost one or more loved ones at some point or another. Perhaps it never gets easier with each loss, but perhaps things get easier over time as we find new ways to deal with grief and negative emotions that once seemed to be all-consuming. Everyone deals with grief differently, and the stages, emotions, and thought-processes can not be necessarily tightly summarized into a linear progression. Suffering is valid in any and all of its manifestations, and you should never apologize for your pain; it is what makes you human.

One odd thing about death that I often think about is how disheartening it can feel when life keeps going and you are forced to keep going as well, even when all you want to do is just curl up in a ball and tune the world out. Even when it feels like the world you know is ending, in actuality, the sun keeps rising, the birds keep chirping, and your heart keeps beating. As I’m sure many of us have experienced, It can prove really difficult to resume daily life and become re-absorbed in one’s usual routine when such a large-scale disruption occurs. Dealing with grief in the workplace or in any other professional environment can be another added layer of exhausting, on top of just trying to get through the day. Many bloggers and writers have addressed this topic, and many experts have empirically noted the general lack of focus and productivity that often occurs when someone is grappling with loss. For example, a 2003 “Grief index study,” found that seventy five percent of study participants indicated that their productivity was limited significantly beyond the amount of time they were allowed to take off. In addition, when participants were asked to estimate the number of days “lost” as a result of decreased focus, 50 percent reported that this translated over to at least 30 days, and 20 percent reported that it translated to significantly longer than that. These “lost” days are not only painful, but also dangerous, and can result in poor decision-making, poor supervisory skills, and increased workplace accidents and injuries.

Nothing can completely remove the aching pain of a loss, but managers, supervisors, professors, presidents, etc. can always perform small acts of kindness and compassion that may help alleviate some pain and discomfort. For example, in a blog article titled “How to Handle and Help with Workplace Grief,” helpful tips and guides for both supervisors and co-workers are provided. One of the tips provided for bosses was to evaluate the grieving employee’s workload and distribute tasks among other employees, as well as to cancel or reschedule any necessary meetings during the employee’s absence. The key thing is to be flexible, and to expect productivity, but to acknowledge that cognitive skills and focus will likely be decreased for awhile. On a personal note, it can be helpful and thoughtful for a supervisor and an employer team to send flowers or a card to show that they care and are thinking of the bereaved employee.

And while it is not always feasible to for employees or students to take large chunks of time off from work or school, it is important for individuals to know themselves and their needs, and to assess if taking time off to properly grieve would beneficial for the mental, spiritual and physical health, or if resuming daily life and using it as a distraction would be more effective in the long run.

In essence, however an individual chooses to grieve, it is vital that they know they are not alone, and that there are often plenty of friends, family, and professionals who are there to listen and provide solace. Employers, employees, and students alike should remember that work and productivity are important, but so is mental and physical health.  

Sources:

Davidson, Sloane. “How to Handle and Help with Workplace Grief.” Modern Loss. Modernloss, 15 Jan. 2016. Web. 21 Mar. 2017.

Johnson, Judith. “The Death and Dying Series Part Two: Grief in the American Workplace.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 03 Feb. 2012. Web. 21 Mar. 2017.

Productive Procrastination — How to Keep Momentum During Break

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The end is near, dear readers. We are in the final sprint of this fall semester! Within the past week alone, I am not quite sure how I was humanly capable of completing all that I completed (caffeine and more than a few late nights were necessary). While I welcome Thanksgiving break with more than open arms, I know that there is an amount of work that I do need to accomplish during that time. Carving out time (and turkey and prime rib) to rest, pamper myself, and spend time with family will be a fun and easy thing to plan. But how will I keep momentum during break?

1. Make a List

Simple enough, right? This is huge for how I get things done, but I know that I can be guilty for writing the most vague, unhelpful items. “See syllabus” and “start paper” aren’t exactly the most engaging phrases and they are too vague. See syllabus for what? For a description on the final paper? To check what material will potentially be on the final exam? Instead of general, overboard to-do list items, I try to make them a little more specific so I know exactly what I am trying to accomplish. For instance, a portion of Thanksgiving break’s to-do list looks like this:

  • create outline of thesis material to go on Psychology Poster (Due Dec. 1 at noon)
  • Compile presentation notes from program notes for Mamlok, Haydn Diveritimento, and Bach Prelude from Suite No. 3 (presentation day Dec. 4)
  • practice first movement of Haydn Divertimento with metronome

Even if you aren’t familiar with the specifics of my list, each bullet has a clear objective. There’s an important difference between “start Psychology Senior Thesis Poster” and “create outline of thesis material to go on Psychology Poster”. Above, there is a preliminary step and what to use for it, an outline from my thesis material. In addition, the above clearly states a deadline. For me, it helps to put in specific details that help me actually break down the larger assignment and want to complete it (cross items off a list is so gratifying). Sometimes I sprinkle smaller tasks throughout my list so when I cross them off, I feel like I am getting things done (I am all about little victories). A smaller list in addition to above includes:

  • schedule a dentist appointment
  • make lunch plans with [insert high school friend here] for Friday

These items are much easier to accomplish and can take as much as 5 minutes. The fun things on my list are what I want to do first. After I complete them, I do feel like I am getting things done, which then propels me into wanting to get the rest crossed off.

2. Feel Free to Search Without Limits

During Thanksgiving break, I will more formally begin my job search. This process will also include a list. But I have also realized that this process, for me, will include a the ability to search without limits. Through some self-reflection, I have realized that planning for what comes next is an immense opportunity. Instead of searching for a job like a chore, I have been having some fun just imagining what could be. Right now, I believe I am very flexible and very willing to apply for so many varied positions. That is leading me to have a positive attitude towards the process. For instance, I am widening my options beyond arts and orchestral management. I find myself asking questions, what would the mission statement of a company that I would want to work for be? How would I want to contribute to the office culture? These questions are also important to address along with my relevant career interests. By feeling free to search without limits, my list (refer back to item number 1) of positions I plan on applying for is at a comfortable number.

3. Know when to say yes and no

This semester, I have been learning this lesson the hard way. For a lot of us, I think it is easy to overexert ourselves and simultaneously believe that we are not doing all that we can all the time to put ourselves in a position for success. Discovering how I draw boundaries for myself in academics, extracurricular activities, and interpersonal relationships is so incredibly important. Along these lines, self-care is immensely important. I believe that I cannot be fully present or produce my best work if it is going to be at the expense of seriously compromising my emotional or mental health. I am learning how to take care of myself and how I can actively incorporate that into a daily lifestyle (shout out to my friends who have inspired me to keep track of my steps everyday, the included iPhone “Health” app has a pedometer).

What are your plans for the break? I hope they include some rest and relaxation and some productive procrastination that will keep your momentum going at your own pace!

Breaking Break: How to Make the Most of Thanksgiving

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Ahh, yes, it’s that time of year once again. The leaves are falling, the temperature is dropping (well, at least it should be), and the end of November is within grasp. This also means that a lot has been happening since our last little break, back in October, and the end-of-the-semester crunch is beginning to rear its nasty little head. I know I’m not the only one wondering where this semester has gone–let alone the rest of this year. Time sure flies when you’re having fun, right?

Wait, there are HOW many weeks left before winter break???

With final paper due dates looming in the not-so-distant future, different class projects that always seem to be due at the exact same time, thesis deadlines approaching far too rapidly, and this semester’s flex allotment nearing dangerously low levels, it is definitely the perfect time for a little break–from work, from stress, and from all the aforementioned factors that can really weigh us down this time of year. Enter: Thanksgiving break! The perfect blend of time off, relaxation, good food, and the last little rest before the final push of the semester. Whether you’re going home, staying on campus, or tagging along to someone else’s house for the holidays, the break is a great opportunity to take a mental break from the stress of school, but also finish up some of the work that can pile up before the end of the semester and finals time.

Me @ all of my assignments right now……yikes.

As someone who absolutely needs to do some work this Thanksgiving break, I’ve outlined some of the ways in which this Thanksgiving break can be the best one yet–getting the necessary time off that we all deserve, while making sure there is still some productivity happening during the days off. Have a look at some of the steps I will be taking to ensure I stay on top of things as I stuff my face with turkey and enjoy some quality cuddle time with my cat. Keep in mind, what works for me might not work for you. But, if that’s the case, then go ahead and design your own Thanksgiving to-do list!

See? You can be just as productive as this lil guy here.

So, without further ado, here’s my “Thanksgiving Break Productivity Cheat Sheet!”

(spoiler alert: it is very unlikely that I will be following all these steps to a tee, but at least the foundation for not completely sleeping through my entire break is on the table)

  • Before you leave (or before break “officially” starts), plan out the work, applications, or specific assignments that you want to get done, and make sure to bring whatever you need to complete it.

This is particularly important if you are going to be traveling over break–be it home or elsewhere. If you need a specific book for reference as you finish up a paper, or need that one notebook you scribbled down some notes in for that one class, make sure you bring it! There is nothing worse than remembering that somewhere, in the deep crevices of your backpack, is a small piece of paper that has a really bomb piece of information on it that will totally cinch your conclusion. If you plan accordingly for the work you want to do, it will make it that much easier once it’s time to sit down and start it.

  • Figure out a day (or days) that would work best for you to set aside for being productive, and make a plan for how you want to structure your working day.

For obvious reasons, the actual day of Thanksgiving might not be your best bet for having some time to get work done. I know that I will be waaaaayy too full of yummy food all day to even think about sitting down and writing–talk about a food coma. But, if that works for you, then go for it! Visualizing how you’re going to spend your break (whether it be with friends, family, or in bed snuggling with your pets) makes it easier to set aside some time for working, especially if you already know you have plans to work around.

  • Tell your family/friends/pets that you want some time to yourself to do what you need to do.

It can be very tempting over break to try and squeeze in as much time with your friends and family that are in town as possible. If that’s what you want to do with your time, then have at it! Seeing old friends for the first time in a long time is a great way to rejuvenate after a solid couple of months of school. But, if you have work that needs to be done, letting them know ahead of time can help you make more effective plans, without hurting anyone’s feelings.

  • Be realistic about what you want to/will get done! 

Look, it’s Thanksgiving break. If you get caught up in the holiday spirit, or take an impromptu trip with your family somewhere and spend less time on your essay or whatever, it’s not the end of the world. You deserve a little break! And, if you’re like me and know that you’ll probably get less work done than you initially planned, leaving a little wiggle room for some extra down time might not be a bad thing.

And, on that note……

  • GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK!

It’s been a busy semester, and this break is happening for a reason (besides a government mandate…..you know what I mean). It’s good for us all to take a step back and reflect on how the semester has been going so far, and sometimes that means just getting out of the school mindset altogether. Especially at this time of year, instead of worrying about everything that is coming up after break (and it can be a lot, don’t get me wrong), think about everything that you’ve accomplished at this point. For seniors, this is pretty wild–it’s our last Thanksgiving as college students! We’ve done so much in our 3.5 years so far! But even if you’re not a senior, try reflecting back on all the papers, all the tests, and all the hard work you’ve put into your education. Seriously, you deserve a break!

So, keeping this all in mind, go forth and have a restful, well-fed Thanksgiving break. If you get all your work done, then hey! That’s great! But, if not, no worries. You’ll figure it out.

Happy holidays, and enjoy your time off~!

 

 

What Are You Going To Do Today?

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The question of what I’m going to do today can be met with a myriad of emotional responses ranging from anguish, to giddiness, to terror, to excitement. I don’t have a structured internship. Instead I have complete freedom over when I work, where I work, and whether or not I’m even bothering to put on “real clothes”. This freedom is awesome. I do not like putting on pants in the summer. I do like working in very awkward positions. Blasting Missy Elliot helps with my productivity. Sometimes I go a whole day without getting anything substantial done and that’s okay. But as Peter Parker’s uncle solemnly reminded him/us, “With great power comes great responsibility”. Time is not a renewable resource and once this second is over and done with, it’s gone forever. Sometimes I suspect my mom put the clock with the loudest ticking sound I’ve ever heard (seriously, the sound it produces is greatly disproportional with its size and demure exterior) in my room to remind me of this sobering fact.

Obviously I really care about the things I’m doing this summer including starting up a radio program on KSPC for incarcerated women, working with a shelter for battered women, and writing posts for this blog. It is super important to me that I do these commitments well.  But the pressure to deliver can feel a bit daunting sometimes because it’s not like doing a boring project that I don’t care about. In that case the pressure to deliver is external which, although it carries some weight, is not nearly as heavy as pressure that comes from within. These summer endeavors are not things that I want to do well because of such and such function it may fulfill in my life. I want to do a good job simply because I want to do a good job.

Doing a good job takes time and effort. In the face of long summer days, unrestricted internet allotment on my StayFocused extension, being “out of the hurricane radius but in the reasonably driving distance” (according to my mom) from the beach, time management is easier said than done. I would go to bed mentally listing the things I would like to get done the next day and roll out of bed the next day with a fraction of the motivation I had a sunrise earlier. Whoops. Because there’s always tomorrow, right? Days seem to last forever while weeks flash by. I often ask myself the deeply perturbing question of, “is it time to roll out the trashcans AGAIN?” because honestly it was like Thursday like yesterday.

The thing is though, things need to get done. It’s hard realizing that something is not done and should have been done the last time the garbage truck rolled around. I am sad to report that my willpower fueled by interest and desire to do a good job is simply not enough.

My strategy as of late is reminding myself of the fact that my time is limited and using the motivational momentum of the wake-up call to do the hardest step of any task: starting. It’s hard because the this step is laden with expectations, possibilities, fear, and doubt. But it’s so important it even has a name: The Zeigarnik Effect which basically just says that we feel compelled to finish whatever we started. Finishing a thing? Sounds good to me.

One of my favorite wake-up call (aka kicking myself in the butt reminders) is this video,The Time You Have In Jelly Beans. It is uber helpful in visualizing the time an average American has and I don’t use this uber lightly. Do you see that tiny portion of jelly beans left? That is the time we have to do things that mean something to us with people who mean something to us. Things that we do because we want to because we want to. People we love who love us back. I, for one, feel a sense of duty to make the most out of those jellybeans because those are the beans that will define my life.