Fall semester has started for me as well. I’ve got a number of different projects I’m working on all in parallel, and am concerned about falling too far behind on any of them. I’m currently using a two-pronged strategy to try and keep my head above water on all of them: first, routinely discussing the next step and my progress so far in my diary (which I’m doing about twice a week now, but the frequency may increase), and second, trying to devote at least one block of time to it each week. (For example, I have a lot of papers to read through, and so I plan on doing that from ~9-5 on Wednesdays at least, and probably on other days as well.)
I’m not sure how effective the second will be- my emotional expectation is that regulating time inputs is not as effective as regulating mood inputs (i.e. I should work on project X when I want to work on project X, and not work on it when I don’t want to work on it). My rational expectation is that regulating time inputs will be effective (and/or is the best way to regulate mood inputs).
(Other suggestions for ways to ensure progress / excite interest in a particular project are welcome.)
FWIW, I’ve found that regulating time inputs is very effective for me. I pair up a chunk of time with an assignment I can get done at that time, and then mark it in my calendar. That way I know exactly what I am doing when, and I can ensure I’m getting all my work done on time.
When the scheduled time comes to do an assignment, I treat it like it’s a scheduled class lecture. (I’m kind of anal about always going to lecture, so doing the assignment feels non-negotiable as well.)
So yeah, definitely give it a try and let us know how it works out! :)
Fall semester has started for me as well. I’ve got a number of different projects I’m working on all in parallel, and am concerned about falling too far behind on any of them. I’m currently using a two-pronged strategy to try and keep my head above water on all of them: first, routinely discussing the next step and my progress so far in my diary (which I’m doing about twice a week now, but the frequency may increase), and second, trying to devote at least one block of time to it each week. (For example, I have a lot of papers to read through, and so I plan on doing that from ~9-5 on Wednesdays at least, and probably on other days as well.)
I’m not sure how effective the second will be- my emotional expectation is that regulating time inputs is not as effective as regulating mood inputs (i.e. I should work on project X when I want to work on project X, and not work on it when I don’t want to work on it). My rational expectation is that regulating time inputs will be effective (and/or is the best way to regulate mood inputs).
(Other suggestions for ways to ensure progress / excite interest in a particular project are welcome.)
FWIW, I’ve found that regulating time inputs is very effective for me. I pair up a chunk of time with an assignment I can get done at that time, and then mark it in my calendar. That way I know exactly what I am doing when, and I can ensure I’m getting all my work done on time.
When the scheduled time comes to do an assignment, I treat it like it’s a scheduled class lecture. (I’m kind of anal about always going to lecture, so doing the assignment feels non-negotiable as well.)
So yeah, definitely give it a try and let us know how it works out! :)