So spend a week keeping a “reverse day planner.” Instead of using a planner to record upcoming events, use one to record what you actually devote time to over the course of each day. Record when and for how long you check e-mail, prepare courses, grade papers, write letters of recommendation, meet with students and colleagues. Include routine tasks—food preparation, dishes, laundry, groceries, errands, driving, and walking the dog. Put in everything nonacademic: exercising, social media, meeting friends, watching TV, surfing the net, puttering, sleeping, and staring at the wall. Where is your
...more
