Time management: which opportunities should you take? #timemanagement #creativity #academia #phd

TL;DR

When presented with smaller opportunities, it is important to consider alignment with goals, feasibility, potential for personal growth, and trust your gut feeling.

Transcript

hi there today I want to talk about which opportunities that present themselves to you you should take now in Opportunity space basically it comes in two flavors one big opportunities such as invitations for Keynotes and conferences or appointments to important committees and and then there are smaller opportunities maybe like local presentations l... Read More

Key Insights

• 😃 Prioritize bigger opportunities that align with your goals without hesitation.
• 🛩️ Smaller opportunities should be evaluated based on criteria for success, feasibility, and enjoyment.
• 👶 Unconventional settings and diverse groups can foster creativity and generate new ideas.
• 🦧 Trust your gut feeling when deciding whether to pursue an opportunity.
• 🤑 Smaller opportunities can unexpectedly lead to larger ones in the future.
• 💯 Balance the number of opportunities taken to avoid distraction from core responsibilities.
• 🛩️ Consider the potential for personal growth and learning when assessing smaller opportunities.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can I determine if a smaller opportunity aligns with my goals?

Consider whether the opportunity helps build local contacts, aligns with your short and long-term goals, and advances your interests. If it aligns with what you consider a success, it is worth pursuing.

Q: Can smaller opportunities boost motivation even if they don't enhance my CV?

Yes, smaller opportunities that are enjoyable and fun can provide a motivational boost. They may not have a major impact on your CV, but they can uplift your mood and provide an enriching experience.

Q: How should I evaluate the feasibility of a smaller opportunity?

Assess the time and effort required. If the opportunity involves a presentation you already have prepared or requires minimal adjustments, it may be more feasible compared to starting from scratch.

Q: Should I consider smaller opportunities in different settings or with diverse groups of people?

Absolutely. Unusual settings and interactions with people from different backgrounds can spark new ideas and creativity. Such opportunities offer the chance to gain unique perspectives and generate fresh insights.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• There are two types of opportunities: big opportunities (keynotes, conferences, important committees) and smaller opportunities (local presentations, regional conferences, meeting with people).

• It's crucial to carefully consider and prioritize smaller opportunities to avoid distraction from core work.

• Define criteria for success, consider feasibility and time commitment, and explore opportunities that provide new and different experiences for personal growth.