Strategize

Since starting at Virginia Tech in 2018 at as a Presidential Pathways Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow, I have had the privilege of taking part in the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity’s (NCFDD) Faculty Success Program (FSP), and now their alumni program. Through my participation in these programs, which I am thankful to my institution to funding, I have learned so very much including that every semester needs a plan, and not just any plan, a strategic plan! So, what is a strategic plan? A strategic plan essentially maps out your entire semester in terms of research/writing goals, teaching, service, as well as personal goals. Strategic plans are often broken down into weekly intervals, and depending on your style, digital or physical, color-coded, numerated, etc. As for me, I am a physical planning, color-coded kind of planner.

While I do use my google calendar as well, if I don’t write it in my physical planner, it often doesn’t happen in real life. So, I typically like to map out my teaching schedule first, and then block my writing time around that, filling in my service obligations, then lastly my personal goals. I do this week by week for the first 3-4 where everything is set, and then every Sunday hold a weekly planning meeting where the next week is set out with anything additional to the original plan. I use a physical calendar that is broken down by month, week, and then days of the week. I like to code things with colored pens and emphasize important dates with stickers to keep things festive, then when events come it with zoom links or other types of invites those go directly into my google calendar which automatically reminds me 10 minutes before each event. This system works for me.

Now, this is my first Fall semester, my first full semester writing a book on an advanced contract with a deadline in site (full manuscript draft is due Fall of 2022), so there are specific benchmarks that I would like to meet this semester to stay on track. To do so, I have built in several accountability and motivational measures. My first tier of writing defense includes the FSP Alumni Program which comes with weekly reminders, a time tracker for writing, teaching, service, and other activities, as well as an accountability group and weekly training videos and homework. My second tier of writing defense includes the weekly writing groups that I take part in that have structured day/times where we do goal setting, and concentrated writing. Also, this semester I have invested in something for myself to really help me get through writing my first book: a writing coach.  Thanks to funding that I received as part of a fellowship, I am investing in myself and my work by enlisting a writing coach who specializes in working with women of color in the academy on their first academic books. I am looking forward to the process, the structure provided by the program, and what I believe will be the incredible results. Writing a first book hasn’t been easy and staying motivated through the Fall semester will take work on my part, which is why I have planned to have these systems in place to both hold me accountable and to motivate me as well.

Good luck writers and remember to plan! Strategically!