Real Academics Blog

Dear Real Academics, At certain times of the year -- particularly the beginning, middle, and end of semesters -- I start feeling anxious about all the large and many small projects ahead of me. Large things could be dissertations, manuscripts, grants, large assignments to grade... Smaller things could be a seemingly endless "to do" list such as scheduling meetings, attending meetings, answering emails, setting up classes for the next term, and/or learning new systems.  If you are not an academic by profession, you may still relate to some of the above types of tasks. Everyone may also have long-term goals related to health (e.g., eating healthier), finances (e.g., getting out of debt), or other (e.g., figuring out life changes).  Whatever your large project and/or many tasks, one way to NOT feel overwhelmed is to break things down into small steps.  This is by no means a new idea. Perhaps you've heard the staying, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single s...

Dear Real Academics, For those of you even remotely contemplating starting a business, consider a lovely book titled, "Mind Your Business: A Workbook to Grow you Creative Passion Into a Full-Time Gig" by Ilana Griffo.  Written by a graphic designer who has started several of her own businesses, the book is both fun and interactive. Ilana's personality literally pops through the pages through her fun graphics and writing as she thoughtfully challenges and inspires her readers to work through phases of starting a business. The book is both practical and inspirational. Real and gritty. Fun and creative. And the graphics are...well...really cool!  I highly recommend this book for any creatives out there thinking about monetizing (and, yes, this is not a BAD thing) the gifts they've been given to share with the world. (paid link) I am still working through the book. I've read the whole thing, but I'm still thinking things through as I write in the workbook. Lit...