Happiness is...
That moment when you get to work and realize you have spare time to get things done. Maybe, just maybe, that means productivity for the day. It's rare in my job, but it's welcome!
Showing posts with label productive. Show all posts
Showing posts with label productive. Show all posts
Monday, November 28, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Finishing early
Happiness is...
Finishing projects early. I don't care if the deadline was extended, I'm happier turning it in tonight and moving on. It makes me feel more competent and it keeps my anxiety in check. I love getting things out of the way, because otherwise you can bet that my perfectionist tendencies will take over before I'm able to do it right. Even when I finish a project, I will continue to proof it until I turn it in at last. Might as well check it off the list! Luckily, I was able to do just that.
Getting projects out of the way also opens my afternoon to work on the next thing. That's the glory of grad school... there's no such thing as being ahead of schedule.
This probably sounds compulsive and overwhelming, but I promise it's a good thing. I'm able to breathe, and I'm prepared to look ahead. In three weeks, I will have relief. For now, this is my nature. Bring it on, finals!
Finishing projects early. I don't care if the deadline was extended, I'm happier turning it in tonight and moving on. It makes me feel more competent and it keeps my anxiety in check. I love getting things out of the way, because otherwise you can bet that my perfectionist tendencies will take over before I'm able to do it right. Even when I finish a project, I will continue to proof it until I turn it in at last. Might as well check it off the list! Luckily, I was able to do just that.
Getting projects out of the way also opens my afternoon to work on the next thing. That's the glory of grad school... there's no such thing as being ahead of schedule.
This probably sounds compulsive and overwhelming, but I promise it's a good thing. I'm able to breathe, and I'm prepared to look ahead. In three weeks, I will have relief. For now, this is my nature. Bring it on, finals!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Fall back.
Happiness is...
Daylight savings time. No, I did not gain an hour of sleep. You know me, it's like clockwork. I did, however have an extra morning hour to make some more progress on this Alternate Plan Paper (thesis). It's not colossal, but it's a feat for me, given my circumstances.
That is the extent of this weekend, though. Homework and more homework. I figure if I crunch enough in the following few days maybe I can avoid the stress around Thanksgiving and such, and I can anticipate December rather than dreading it. I figure if I do my stuff up front I can kick back and enjoy the last bit of my first semester of graduate school. Heck, maybe I'll even have the time to reflect on these weeks. I doubt it though. Maybe that's what I should have done with my extra hour this morning... then again, maybe not. Back to work, see you tomorrow!
Daylight savings time. No, I did not gain an hour of sleep. You know me, it's like clockwork. I did, however have an extra morning hour to make some more progress on this Alternate Plan Paper (thesis). It's not colossal, but it's a feat for me, given my circumstances.
That is the extent of this weekend, though. Homework and more homework. I figure if I crunch enough in the following few days maybe I can avoid the stress around Thanksgiving and such, and I can anticipate December rather than dreading it. I figure if I do my stuff up front I can kick back and enjoy the last bit of my first semester of graduate school. Heck, maybe I'll even have the time to reflect on these weeks. I doubt it though. Maybe that's what I should have done with my extra hour this morning... then again, maybe not. Back to work, see you tomorrow!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Study Buddy
Happiness is...
Study Buddies. Schoolwork is a little easier if I do it sitting next to a friend, perhaps drinking some wine... My productivity is greatly increased by knowing that not EVERYONE is out having fun without me. I have one captive here writing papers by my side :)
Okay, so perhaps a friend and some wine are not the greatest combination for a super productive night. However, I wouldn't trade it for anything---nothing makes my work more tolerable.
Study Buddies. Schoolwork is a little easier if I do it sitting next to a friend, perhaps drinking some wine... My productivity is greatly increased by knowing that not EVERYONE is out having fun without me. I have one captive here writing papers by my side :)
Okay, so perhaps a friend and some wine are not the greatest combination for a super productive night. However, I wouldn't trade it for anything---nothing makes my work more tolerable.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Progress
Happiness is...
Progress! With only four weeks left, it's become time to buckle down for the projects and papers and exams that remain. Luckily, I am sooooo on top of this. I am finishing paper number two tonight, BOOYA. As a grad student, I have a demeanor much like many other grad students: total perfectionism. I have extremely high expectations of myself and have always been an achiever. Thus, I am still trying to stay ahead of my schoolwork. It's not easy, but it is completely worth it.
With the end of the semester approaching, the world is in chaos. I am competent enough for this. I am here for a reason.
Progress! With only four weeks left, it's become time to buckle down for the projects and papers and exams that remain. Luckily, I am sooooo on top of this. I am finishing paper number two tonight, BOOYA. As a grad student, I have a demeanor much like many other grad students: total perfectionism. I have extremely high expectations of myself and have always been an achiever. Thus, I am still trying to stay ahead of my schoolwork. It's not easy, but it is completely worth it.
With the end of the semester approaching, the world is in chaos. I am competent enough for this. I am here for a reason.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Me Day
Happiness is...
Doing things for you. I get it, it's important to be productive, stay healthy, and maintain the budget. But some days I don't care about being a well-adjusted adult. Take today, for example. After church, I went and bought myself some new clothes. Following my retail therapy, I cooked a party pizza... and I ate the whole thing. Sure, I still went for a run and stayed mostly on track, but after I got home I watched a bunch of television and ate a little bit of chocolate. I deserve a me day. I never stop and do what I want because I want it. Think about it. How much of your daily routine is set up so that you can be a good adult---work, home, exercise, eat a balanced meal, obey the laws of society, take care of your family. I'm allowed some frivolity am I not? My answer is yes. Today's the day.
Doing things for you. I get it, it's important to be productive, stay healthy, and maintain the budget. But some days I don't care about being a well-adjusted adult. Take today, for example. After church, I went and bought myself some new clothes. Following my retail therapy, I cooked a party pizza... and I ate the whole thing. Sure, I still went for a run and stayed mostly on track, but after I got home I watched a bunch of television and ate a little bit of chocolate. I deserve a me day. I never stop and do what I want because I want it. Think about it. How much of your daily routine is set up so that you can be a good adult---work, home, exercise, eat a balanced meal, obey the laws of society, take care of your family. I'm allowed some frivolity am I not? My answer is yes. Today's the day.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Ahead of schedule
Happiness is...
Getting ahead on reading. You likely do not understand what a colossal feat this is. Let me explain.
Graduate school is demanding and, at times, overwhelming. When I was at my interview the second year students told me that the work load was heavy and that they were always trying to keep up with reading. Because I was a 4.0 student in college and an ambitious young professional, however, this did not apply to me. I have always just been gifted. Man, did I underestimate this program. I have learned my lesson, pulled myself up by my bootstraps, and started working just as hard as the rest of them.
When my professor emailed us the assigned reading (approx. 200 pages) to be done by the first day of class---with only two days' warning mind you---reality slammed into me like a freight train. I have been struggling along the tracks ever since. But this afternoon, I finished a chapter that doesn't just get me to where I need to be next week, it gets me ahead. It's such a good feeling to be on top of my game! I feel like for once I can indulge in a little bit of a social life. Maybe I can even stop to cook a nice dinner. Regardless, I have time to breathe. Now, if only I can keep it that way. Here's to continued success with graduate schoolwork! Wish me luck.
Getting ahead on reading. You likely do not understand what a colossal feat this is. Let me explain.
Graduate school is demanding and, at times, overwhelming. When I was at my interview the second year students told me that the work load was heavy and that they were always trying to keep up with reading. Because I was a 4.0 student in college and an ambitious young professional, however, this did not apply to me. I have always just been gifted. Man, did I underestimate this program. I have learned my lesson, pulled myself up by my bootstraps, and started working just as hard as the rest of them.
When my professor emailed us the assigned reading (approx. 200 pages) to be done by the first day of class---with only two days' warning mind you---reality slammed into me like a freight train. I have been struggling along the tracks ever since. But this afternoon, I finished a chapter that doesn't just get me to where I need to be next week, it gets me ahead. It's such a good feeling to be on top of my game! I feel like for once I can indulge in a little bit of a social life. Maybe I can even stop to cook a nice dinner. Regardless, I have time to breathe. Now, if only I can keep it that way. Here's to continued success with graduate schoolwork! Wish me luck.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Prepare to Snooze
Happiness is...
That moment when you wake up and realize that you've already taken care of making a lunch, packing your bag, and planning your day. Turn off that alarm and get some more sleep!
That moment when you wake up and realize that you've already taken care of making a lunch, packing your bag, and planning your day. Turn off that alarm and get some more sleep!
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