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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!

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!

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!

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Our Services Welcome to our Academic Career Coaching services! With nearly three decades of experience in academia, I am your dedicated Academic Career Coach, offering specialized support across several key categories: academics at all career stages, graduate students, and an expansive range of services tailored to help you transition to industry roles or realize your entrepreneurial dreams. Whatever your professional aspirations may be, I'm here to assist you in mapping out a personalized action plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you achieve the success you envision. Our Services Academics I offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of academics at all career stages. My approach is strategically designed to provide you with the guidance and support necessary to navigate every phase of your academic and professional journey. A key focus of my coaching is enhancing your personal branding and optimizing your LinkedIn presence, vital tools for expanding your professional network and unlocking new opportunities. Whether you're aiming to boost your productivity, balance your personal and professional life, transition into industry, or pursue entrepreneurial ventures, my coaching is personalized and holistic. I am here to ensure you achieve the success and fulfillment you deserve. GRADUATE STUDENT I provide comprehensive services tailored specifically for graduate students navigating this pivotal stage of their academic journey. Whether you're seeking strategies for effective time management and productivity, need support in managing your research projects, or require guidance on personal branding and expanding your network on LinkedIn to secure the right supervisor or job opportunity, I'm here to assist. My services also cover preparing for your career post-graduation and achieving a balanced study-life dynamic. Let’s work together to lay a solid foundation for your future success. OTHER SERVICES We also offer a wide range of other support options, including meticulous resume review services to help you stand out in your job applications, comprehensive interview preparation to instill confidence and improve your performance, and professional Spanish-to-English manuscript proofreading. We're here to provide well-rounded assistance tailored to your academic and professional needs, turning challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality. CONTACT US

Graduate Student Services GRADUATE STUDENTS As an experienced Academic Career Coach, I understand the myriad challenges you face as a graduate student, from drafting your thesis to preparing for job interviews. My suite of services is meticulously designed to support you during this crucial period of your academic journey . Whether you're looking for short-term guidance to overcome a specific hurdle, or require long-term support as you navigate the complexities of graduate studies and plan for your career ahead, you'll find a service here to fit your needs. Each offering is crafted with the intent to empower, equip, and encourage you, helping you transition from student to scholar with grace and confidence. Discover the range of services I provide and let's embark on this journey together: Services Offered Every step counts: From the beginning to the end, we're with you! ​ Thesis Tackle Session : One or two sessions designed to break down the thesis-writing process, develop an outline, and strategize about research and writing methods. Research Project Roadmapping : One or two sessions aimed at helping students plan and manage their research effectively, focusing on setting realistic timelines, resource management, and contingency planning. Dissertation Development Journey : A long-term (2-4 months) guided program offering consistent support and feedback throughout the dissertation process, from literature review to defence preparation. Graduate Productivity Power-up: On-going client and coach relationship (2-4 months) focusing on time management, work-life balance, and productivity enhancement specific to graduate students. ​Academic Publication Primer: One or two sessions on navigating the world of academic publishing, including choosing the right journals, understanding the submission process, and responding to reviewer comments. Job Hunt Jumpstart: One or two sessions designed to optimize your CV/resume, polish your cover letter, and identify ideal job prospects within or outside academia. Interview Instincts Workshop : One session ( or two) to master the skills of job interviews, focusing on effective communication, answering tricky questions, and exuding confidence. Career Transition Coaching: On-going client and coach relationships (2-4 months) for those considering a leap from academia to industry or other fields, assisting in identifying transferable skills, exploring potential careers, and preparing for the transition. Want to learn more about how I can help you complete your graduate degree? CONTACT US Fill out the F orm or email directly (marina11silva@gmail.com )