Blog
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Clearing email backlog: A systematic strategy when returning from leave
Clearing email backlog after extended absence doesn’t have to derail your return to productive academic work—with the right systematic approach, you can regain control of your inbox and establish better communication habits.
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How to break down academic tasks: Stop setting yourself impossible goals
If you’re struggling with productivity, the problem might not be your motivation—it could be that you don’t know how to break down academic tasks effectively. Most academics create to-do lists filled with projects disguised as tasks, then wonder why they feel paralysed when it’s time to start work.
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Read-it-later apps for academics
Academic reading in the digital age demands systematic curation, yet most scholars manage incoming information chaotically. Read-it-later apps for academics transform scattered consumption into intentional workflows, offering unified reading experiences, robust annotation systems, and reliable export functionality that supports sustained intellectual engagement across disciplines and research projects.
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Storing task information together is a simple fix for workflow friction
Academic work becomes frustrating when tasks and their required information live in separate places. This post suggests storing task information together with your tasks to eliminate friction, reduce procrastination, and create more sustainable workflows. Learn practical strategies for information co-location that transform scattered work sessions into focused, productive academic activities.
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Annie Duke (2023) Quit
Annie Duke’s “Quit” provides essential tools for academics who face intense pressure to persist despite diminishing returns. Her research-backed frameworks offer systematic approaches to complex decisions about research directions, career transitions, and resource allocation that typically rely on intuition or cultural pressure. The book’s combination of cognitive psychology research and practical application makes it particularly…
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Walking meetings: A simple shift for busy academics
Steve Jobs famously conducted important business discussions whilst walking around Apple’s campus, noting that that movement changes how we think. For busy academics struggling to find time for exercise and meaningful work, walking meetings offer an elegant solution that addresses multiple challenges simultaneously.
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Deranged pleasure of email management
There’s something deeply, almost embarrassingly pleasurable about declaring an entire day dedicated to email management. The unsubscribing, the brutal deletion, the methodical filing of correspondence that’s been lurking for months. It’s the kind of day where you roll up your sleeves and prepare to wrestle your inbox into submission.
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Cultivating gratitude in academia
Academic culture often overlooks the collaborative support behind scholarly achievements, from peer reviewers to administrative staff. The myth of the solitary scholar masks how scholarship actually works through networks of assistance. Expressing gratitude strengthens academic communities, creates positive feedback loops, and counters competitive isolation. Simple practices like maintaining acknowledgement folders and scheduling reflection time can…
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Steven Johnson (2011) Where good ideas come from
Steven Johnson’s “Where Good Ideas Come From” reframes creativity as a social and environmental process rather than individual inspiration. The book identifies seven innovation patterns emphasising interdisciplinary collaboration, incremental progress, and learning from errors. For academics, it offers practical strategies for cultivating creative environments through “liquid” networks, serendipitous encounters, and embracing adjacent possibilities.
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Presenting research without over-reaching
Academic presentations often suffer from overstated claims that undermine credibility rather than strengthen impact. Effective presentations acknowledge limitations whilst clearly articulating specific contributions. Using precise, qualified language and positioning work within proper scope demonstrates scholarly integrity. This balanced approach—presenting genuine strengths without exaggeration—typically earns more respect than grand claims and allows colleagues to recognise broader…
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Crafting engaging academic presentations
Creating effective academic presentations requires understanding your audience, establishing clear motivation, and simplifying visual elements. Practice thoughtfully to build confidence, especially when presenting in a non-native language. By focusing on clarity and engagement, researchers can successfully share their work in ways that resonate across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
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The power of lowering your standards
Rigid “every day” habits often fail due to psychological pressure. A more forgiving “daily-ish” approach paradoxically leads to better consistency. By lowering perfectionist standards in academic work—writing, email, reading, and planning—you create mental space for meaningful progress while being kinder to yourself.