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Blog Posts (33)
- Discovering the Art of Time Management in Academia with Trello
Spring is here, and for many of us, it brings a welcome pause from teaching duties. It’s a perfect moment to explore new tools that can make our hectic schedules a bit more manageable, especially when the academic year picks back up. Today, I want to talk about a gem I've found incredibly helpful in my own academic and entrepreneurial journey—Trello. If you're always juggling different tasks and feel like no two days are the same, Trello might just be what you need. What’s Trello? It's a visually intuitive app that helps you organize projects into boards, lists, and cards. You can keep track of everything from research activities to side hustles, all in one place. Why Trello for Us in Academia? Flexible Organization: Whether it’s sorting out conference details, lining up your research ducks, or planning lectures, Trello lets you visualize and manage your projects with ease. Team Collaboration: If you’re collaborating on a research paper or need to sync with your department, Trello’s shared boards streamline communication. Perfect for Side Hustles: Many of us nurture side projects next to our academic roles; Trello’s adaptability makes it an excellent ally. The best part? Trello offers a free version where you can manage up to 10 boards. I’ve been using this version (see image below) and haven’t felt the need to upgrade despite juggling numerous tasks. It’s quite a handy tool for keeping academic and personal life ticking along smoothly, without the pressure of extra fees. Explore Trello with Us Whether you're deep into your academic career or just beginning to nurture your side hustle, Trello can be a transformative tool for managing your complex schedules. If you’re curious about how to maximize its potential, I’ve compiled a selection of resources and guides to help you get started. Check them out, and see how Trello can fit into your workflow! Send me a DM if you want more information. For those who want a deeper dive, keep an eye on my upcoming posts where I’ll share detailed tutorials and advanced tips on making the most of Trello. Whether you're looking to streamline your academic responsibilities or organize that growing side project, there's a way for everyone to benefit from this versatile tool. #AcademicLife #TimeManagement #TrelloForAcademics #HigherEd #AcademicProductivity #SideHustle #ProjectManagement #EdTech #ProfessorJourney #MarinaSilvaOpps #WorkLifeBalance #Trello I'm Dr. Marina Silva-Opps. If you're hungry for more insights on how to share your academic journey, time management, productivity, career success, and personal development, visit my LinkedIn profile, website, or send me a DM. And remember, I'm here to help!
- From Reactive to Proactive: A More Human Approach to Starting Your Day in Academia
A client asked me: "Marina, how do you start your day—proactively or reactively?"🤔 One of my clients recently shared his daily struggle of feeling overwhelmed each morning, as if stepping onto a battlefield without a plan, merely reacting to whatever crisis surfaces. He posed a profound question that resonated with me: "Marina, how do you start your day—proactively or reactively?" This is a question that many of us in academia might find all too familiar, especially our younger colleagues who are still learning to manage the flood of responsibilities and the challenge of saying "No." Starting your day reactively means you're constantly at the mercy of unforeseen events, perpetually a step behind. However, being proactive means setting intentions and actions in place beforehand, which helps steer your day rather than being steered by circumstances. Here’s how you can shift towards a more proactive start: Define Your Core Priorities: Begin each morning by identifying one or two main tasks that will anchor your day. These aren't merely items on a to-do list—they're your commitment to directing your day purposefully amidst the academic hustle. Create a Morning Ritual That Energizes You: Whether it’s a brisk walk, meditative breathing, or simply savouring a quiet cup of coffee, find what centres you and dedicate yourself to it (it's a cup of coffee for me!). This isn’t just routine; it’s about claiming a moment of peace before diving into the academic whirlwind. Plan with Time Blocking. Several techniques can be used for this, but time blocking is always my first choice. This technique is crucial not just for managing tasks, but for consciously allocating your energy throughout the day. Schedule time for your planned tasks, and include buffer time for those inevitable academic surprises. Embrace Realism in Your Scheduling: Acknowledge that the day might not unfold as planned. By setting realistic expectations and spacing out tasks, you mitigate pressure and enhance your adaptability. End Your Day with Reflection: Dedicate a few minutes each evening to reflect on what went well and areas for improvement. This practice isn't merely about making adjustments—it’s about evolving your approach to proactively handle each new day in academia. Transitioning from a reactive to a proactive stance requires both intention and practice. It's about making a conscious choice every morning to not just face the day, but to lead it. Let's transform our potential battlefields into gardens of productivity and calm. I’m curious—how do you start your day? Are you more reactive or proactive? What strategies do you use to take control of your mornings? Fellow academics, especially those early in their careers, I’d love to hear your thoughts and strategies.🍊 #MorningRituals #ProactiveOrReactive #TimeManagement #TimeBlocking #DayPriorities #CareerSuccess #Porductivitytips #BeProactive #AcademicLife #ProfessorJourney #AcademicCoaching I'm Dr. Marina Silva-Opps. If you're hungry for more insights on how to share your academic journey, time management, productivity, career success, and personal development, visit my LinkedIn profile, website, or send me a DM. And remember, I'm here to help!
- Mastering the Side Hustle Blueprint: Vision and Timeframes
You've pinpointed the essence of your side hustle and have a vivid understanding of your target audience. Kudos to you! These initial strides are commendable. But remember, this is just the beginning. To truly make your side hustle thrive, you must focus on two pivotal elements: crystallizing your vision and setting a pragmatic timeframe. 1. Crystallizing Your Vision The Power of Intention Every triumphant endeavour is rooted in a deep-seated 'why'. This core intention will guide every step you take. Be it the early dawn hours, the late-night grind, or the inevitable hurdles, your 'why' will be the anchor that keeps you steadfast. Categories of Vision Monetary Vision: Maybe you're venturing into this to bolster your finances, accumulate for a dream project, or further your academic pursuits. Put a number to it. What's your financial aspiration on a monthly or annual basis from this hustle? Passionate Vision: Is your side hustle a reflection of a cherished hobby or interest? Do you envision creating a tribe around it, fostering a sense of community, or simply reveling in the joy it brings? Skill Augmentation Vision: This hustle can be your training ground. Whether it's mastering content creation, refining your sales techniques, or any other craft, specify the competencies you're keen to enhance. Gauging Triumph Triumph is a personal metric. What's your yardstick? Is it a clientele count, a financial milestone, or perhaps the heartwarming testimonials of delighted clients? 2. Setting a Pragmatic Timeframe The Essence of Endurance Every monumental success starts with humble beginnings. Recognize that in the realm of side hustles, it's more about the long haul than a mad dash. Segmenting Your Journey Immediate Objectives: These are the goals right at your doorstep. It could be launching your online presence, securing your initial clientele, or finishing a pertinent online tutorial. Aim to tick these off in the coming weeks or months. Intermediate Objectives: These are your horizon goals, achievable in the forthcoming six months to a year. Think along the lines of diversifying your offerings, partnering with industry peers, or reaching a revenue landmark. Distant Objectives: Cast your gaze further. Where do you visualize your hustle in the next couple of years or perhaps a decade? Do you see it evolving into your primary vocation or always complementing your main job? Charting these now can influence your current choices. Embrace Fluidity While having a timeframe is invaluable, agility is equally crucial. The path of entrepreneurship is seldom linear. Periodically revisit your plan, toast to the milestones met, and recalibrate the ones that demand a fresh approach. #AcademicAndEntrepreneur #AcademicCareer #EntrepreneurialAcademic #SideHustle #SideHustleandAcademia #ProfessorJourney #AcademicLife Hi! I'm Dr. Marina Silva-Opps. If you're hungry for more insights on how to share your academic journey, time management, productivity, career success, and personal development, visit my LinkedIn profile and website, where you can explore a wealth of additional content. And remember, I'm here to help!
Other Pages (13)
- RESOURCES | My Site
Free Resources for Academics Take Control of Your Time, Career & Goals Navigating academia while balancing research, teaching, and life can be overwhelming. That’s why I’ve created these free resources—to help you manage your time, set boundaries, increase productivity, and explore new career paths with confidence. 🔹 Pick a resource that speaks to you. 🔹 Enter your email to access it. 🔹 Start implementing small, effective changes today! 💡 New resources added regularly—so check back often! Time Management & Productivity ⏳ 14-Day Time Reboot Challenge Guide – Reclaim 2–3 hours per week with this step-by-step strategy. (FREE Challenge - March 2025) - Click here 🚀 Top 10 Time Management Challenges for Academics (and How to Overcome Them) – Get practical solutions to the most common productivity struggles. Click here Setting Boundaries & Avoiding Burnout COMING SOON! Reinventing Your Career & Side Hustles 💡 Defining Your WHY for a Side Hustle – A guided worksheet to help you clarify your motivation and purpose behind starting a side hustle. Click here 🎯 Crafting Your Side Hustle Strategy: Goals & Timelines – Set clear, realistic goals and establish a timeline for success in your entrepreneurial journey. Click here Looking for deeper support? Work with me 1:1 to develop a sustainable side hustle or career transition plan tailored to your strengths. Elevate Your Career: LinkedIn & Job Search Strategies LinkedIn Optimization & Personal Branding 💼 LinkedIn Profile Review Checklist – A step-by-step guide to refining your LinkedIn profile for visibility and impact. For the fillable version, send me a message. Click here ✍️ Crafting Your Effective LinkedIn Headline – A worksheet to help you create a compelling, keyword-rich headline that attracts opportunities. Click here Need full LinkedIn optimization? Work with me 1:1 or check out my digital course for a complete strategy. Job Search & Networking 🔎 Career Transition Reflection Worksheet – A guided exercise to help you assess career paths, transferable skills, and networking strategies for your next move. Click here 📊 Networking Tracker Template – Stay organized and track your outreach efforts, follow-ups, and key connections during your job search. Click here Looking for a structured approach to career transitions? Work with me 1:1 to refine your strategy and make your next career move with confidence.
- General Student Resume
Helping Academics Regain Time, Set Boundaries, and Thrive in Their Careers Through personalized coaching, practical strategies, and actionable support , I help academics like you reduce overwhelm, manage energy, and make time for what truly matters —whether in academia or beyond Dr. Marina Silva-Opps With nearly 30 years in academia, I know the pressures academics face—publishing demands, tenure stress, and the challenge of maintaining work-life balance. As an academic career coach, I help professors, researchers, and scholars take control of their time, set clear boundaries, and navigate their career paths with confidence—whether that means thriving in academia or exploring new opportunities beyond it. Read More Empowering Academics to Thrive at Every Stage of Their Career Whether you're navigating the demands of academia, seeking balance, or planning for a meaningful retirement, I offer personalized coaching and actionable strategies tailored to your unique needs. ✅ Time & Energy Management Eliminate overwhelm, reclaim 2–3 hours per week, and focus on what matters most. ✅ Setting Boundaries & Saying No Learn how to set clear boundaries and protect your time without guilt. ✅ Career Coaching & Transitions Explore new academic or entrepreneurial opportunities with confidence. ✅ Retirement Roadmap for Academics Plan a flexible, fulfilling retirement that aligns with your skills, passions, and goals. ✅ Workshops & Speaking Engagements Customized sessions on productivity, time management, and career transitions for academic departments. BOOK FREE 30-MINUTE DISCOVERY MEETING During this free 30-minute meeting together we will plan the next steps for you. BOOK NOW FREE RESOURCES Unlock your full academic potential and achieve your career goals with our free resources - learn more and take your academic journey to new heights! LEARN MORE HERE TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE Explore the transformative expertise of Dr. Marina Silva-Opps, your multilingual academic career and entrepreneurial coach, offering a holistic approach to personal and professional development. LEARN MORE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER Enter your email here SIGN UP Thanks for submitting!
- ABOUT | My Site
Dr. Marina Silva-Opps Ph. D. Ecology With nearly 30 years in academia , I know the pressures academics face—publishing demands, tenure stress, and the challenge of maintaining work-life balance. As an academic career coach, I help professors, researchers, and scholars take control of their time, set clear boundaries, and navigate their career paths with confidence—whether that means thriving in academia or exploring new opportunities beyond it. My coaching is personalized, strategic, and action-oriented , designed to help you gain clarity, reduce overwhelm, and create a career that aligns with your values and goals. Let’s work together to help you thrive in academia—and beyond. CONTACT