I have a degree, but I want to get to the level where I can do research, I teach a few days a week, how should I organize my independent time best to be productive? What kind of activities will help me stay focused now that I an done taking classes?
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I do several types of paid work and also volunteer work, and I have a family, so I have to stay organized. I can make several suggestions of methods I use.
First of all, have a good computer/organizer tote or bag which has compartments for everything you need for an entire 24 hour period. It's like having a small desk and file cabinet that's organized and ready, and always with you.
Have an organizer/planner book that has plenty of room, and several pockets within it. Also purchase two large calendars, one to hang next to your desk at work, and another to hang next to your desk at home. Buy the type that has large square boxes for each date. Use a pencil to mark in any meetings, phone numbers, events, projects due, personal plans, and so on. That way those can be erased if they change, or become canceled. On important items not open to change, you can mark with a red or black felt tip. Then keep your organizer/planner book current with everything written on your big calendars at work and home. Once you see everything planned out, you will start to see a pattern of what times will best suit putting aside for independent research time.
Limit the amount of time you spend on phone calls, emails and texting each day. These are big distractions, and often defeat the purpose of trying to stay focused on research, studying or a project.
Make sure your work desk is organized with everything you need, pencil and pen holders, index cards, stickit notes, and so on. Spiral notebooks with dividers and pockets are lifesavers. They keep my work and projects organized, and I can find what I need at a quick glance.
At the start of each day, make a list of at least five things you don't look forward to doing that day. Do those things first, as possible, to get them out of your way. I've found that this practice gives me less stress, and opens more independent time throughout the day and evening.
First of all, have a good computer/organizer tote or bag which has compartments for everything you need for an entire 24 hour period. It's like having a small desk and file cabinet that's organized and ready, and always with you.
Have an organizer/planner book that has plenty of room, and several pockets within it. Also purchase two large calendars, one to hang next to your desk at work, and another to hang next to your desk at home. Buy the type that has large square boxes for each date. Use a pencil to mark in any meetings, phone numbers, events, projects due, personal plans, and so on. That way those can be erased if they change, or become canceled. On important items not open to change, you can mark with a red or black felt tip. Then keep your organizer/planner book current with everything written on your big calendars at work and home. Once you see everything planned out, you will start to see a pattern of what times will best suit putting aside for independent research time.
Limit the amount of time you spend on phone calls, emails and texting each day. These are big distractions, and often defeat the purpose of trying to stay focused on research, studying or a project.
Make sure your work desk is organized with everything you need, pencil and pen holders, index cards, stickit notes, and so on. Spiral notebooks with dividers and pockets are lifesavers. They keep my work and projects organized, and I can find what I need at a quick glance.
At the start of each day, make a list of at least five things you don't look forward to doing that day. Do those things first, as possible, to get them out of your way. I've found that this practice gives me less stress, and opens more independent time throughout the day and evening.