How to multiply your time this semester
Yes, really! That's what I said.
"I just don’t have enough time to attend that workshop on time management.”
Sound familiar? You’re not alone, my dear reader.
I hear this all the time from academics juggling an endless list of demands—meetings that run long, grant deadlines that never stop looming, teaching prep, administrative duties, and let’s not forget family responsibilities. It’s a lot.
If you’re feeling stretched thin—whether you’re a faculty member with competing priorities, a postdoc racing to meet proposal deadlines, or a grad student balancing coursework and dissertation writing—you’re in good company. Finding time for professional growth can feel impossible.
But here’s the truth: staying in “survival mode” might get you through the day, but it won’t help you thrive in the long run. Constantly responding to what’s urgent can leave you stuck in a cycle where there’s no room to think about the big picture—your long-term goals, your vision, and the tools you need to make your work more fulfilling and less exhausting.
From Survival Mode to Sustainable Success
I get it. I’ve been there. When your plate is already full, adding one more thing feels unthinkable.
I’ve often said that time is a finite resource—we can’t make more of it, so we need to focus on our priorities. And while that’s true, it’s not the whole story.
My thinking shifted when I came across Rory Vaden’s TED Talk on “multiplying your time.” He reframes time as something we can invest—not just spend. This was a really important shift in my thinking. It’s such a powerful concept for those of us who feel like we’re barely treading water, semester after semester.
The idea is this: by focusing now on actions that save time in the future, we can create space and energy for the work that matters most. It’s not about squeezing more into your day; it’s about playing the long game.
What Does This Look Like in Academia?
Start by asking yourself, "What can I automate, delegate, or systematize to make my work more sustainable?" This might mean:
Simplifying your assignments and grading process by creating and using rubrics that can be reused again and again
Delegating some service obligations to create space for high-priority work
Setting up a system for managing your notes and citations so you're not hunting down that one article every time you write
Building a weekly writing routine that ensures steady progress instead of last-minute scrambles
Subscribing to a meal prep or grocery delivery service to make space for other things
The key is making decisions based on what matters most to you—not just what feels most urgent in the moment.
Building better Systems Through Flourish
This is exactly why I created my new course, Flourish: Cultivating a Sustainable Writing Practice.
Yes, you'll make real progress on your writing project this semester. But more importantly, you'll build strategies that save you time, energy, and frustration in the long run.
I know it can feel counterintuitive to dedicate time to professional development when you're already overwhelmed. But I've seen this time and again in my coaching clients: the scholars who take that leap and invest in themselves are the ones who finally start to feel in control of their work.
Yes, to get to that point takes work, and it takes time now, but that labor is well worth the investment.
Imagine a Different Tomorrow
Think about what's possible when you have the right systems in place:
Starting each writing session with clarity and purpose
Having systems that support your work instead of hindering it
Confidently saying no to commitments that don't serve your goals
Finally having time for the work that truly matters
If you’re ready to step out of the cycle of urgency and build a sustainable, rewarding writing practice, I’m here to help. The Flourish community and I would love to have you join us.
Have questions about whether the course is right for you? Hit reply to this email, or book a free discovery call.
