Jaipreet VirdiI've always been a planner.
Someone who outlines research projects minimum 3 years in advance, with detailed goals and expectations to achieve a desired outcome. To-do lists and appointment calendars were my survival tools.
In April 2020, saddened by the constant cancelations of my book talks & other events, I threw out my planner for that year. The scratched out texts & dates were not helping my depression. I delighted in starting anew with another planner, fresh pages ready to mark a new beginning
Truthfully, I used to view a busy planner as indicative of a busy life. It was how I viewed how productive I was being, how much I was accomplishing.
Hyperproductivity is an illusion. To achieve this requires giving up so much--including your peace.
And I know it's the standard of academia and privilege gives us the option of choosing how we want to mold our time...but frankly I hate that this is what we've come to expect.
I move away from this now. I teach my grad students to prioritize rest and well-being.
I still have my planners, of course. These days I'm happier when I see blank days than when they're filled to the brim.
Jon Henner@jaivirdi Crip time FTW.