Head Space

Calm productivity for academics

No longer active

This site is now an archive of my previous work. I have moved all my ongoing writing to https://michael-rowe.github.io/home-michael/

Tag: workload

  • Work that shouldn’t exist: What to do when your role is a workaround

    A lot of academic work seems to exist purely to compensate for broken institutional systems. When your primary function is forwarding emails, duplicating data, or routing queries, you’re not adding value—you’re revealing systemic dysfunction. Personal productivity strategies can’t fix organisational failures, and acknowledging these patterns is the essential first step.

  • Less is more: Doing fewer things, better

    Sometimes the key to unlocking your full potential lies in the art of subtraction – doing less, but with a focused intensity. By focusing your energy on the work that truly matters, you’ll find yourself operating with greater clarity, intentionality, and impact. You’ll have the mental space to dive deep into your research, explore complex…

  • Saying no in academia: A guide to protecting your time and focus

    Academic life thrives on collaboration and contribution, but constant invitations to participate in new projects can quickly become overwhelming. Learn how mastering the art of saying no in academia isn’t about disinterest, but about strategic self-care and intentionality that allows you to contribute meaningfully on your own terms.

  • Stop working longer hours: It won’t solve your workload problems

    For busy academics, working longer hours often feels like the only solution to mounting pressures. But more hours won’t solve the underlying problems of unsustainable workload or inefficient workflow. Instead of normalising overwork, focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of time scarcity in your academic practice