If there’s one thing I’ve learned since coming over to academia from government, it’s that faculty are “very busy” nearly all of the time. So much so that it’s almost become a running joke with me, and I routinely have to prepare myself for the answer of “I’d love to, but I’m very busy right now” when asking faculty if they are interested in a certain funding opportunity, or inviting them to workshops.

Of course that’s not to say that they aren’t actually busy. Between classes, committees, research, grant applications, publications, and that little thing called their own lives, it’s a wonder that faculty are able to accomplish anything at all. I believe that the secret to success lies in good time management skills. Without being able to effectively manage time, the life of a faculty member would be nearly impossible. Especially when trying to fit time for writing in with everything else.

Fortunately, there is a wealth of advice and resources out there for those of us who struggle with this. Perhaps as a graduate student you read one of the over 1,700 “dissertation writing” guides available on Amazon. Or maybe you’ve recently checked out one of OPD’s grant writing manuals. Or maybe you regularly follow the Chronicle of Higher Education and saw their recent article on “How to Make Time for Research and Writing”. Or maybe you just talk to colleagues and mentors.

No matter where you turn for time management help, the recurring theme you’re likely to run into is the distinct lack of a common theme. Everyone’s advice is different, and that’s because this is one of those things that is highly specific to individuals. What works for you is likely not going to be what works for me, and vice versa. The important thing is to discover what that routine or method is, and then stick with it. And of course, ask for help if needed.