Release the fear that we’re not quite ready
As an assistant professor, especially in the first couple of years, so much is new. It’s easy to feel as if we’re never fully prepared for anything.
Release the fear of being scooped
It happens when we least expect it. We open an email, glance at a website, or peruse a conference program and there it is… OUR paper, written by another author.
Leading Life: Less is more
The message that’s been buzzing around me over the past couple of weeks is this: “Less prep, more presence.”
Leading Life: Story problems
We glance over at a colleague during a high-stakes meeting and notice the frown on his face. Immediately, our mind gets to work… "He hates this idea. He’s going to do everything possible to kill my proposal..."
On the fence
Setting boundaries seems easy in theory, but it’s much harder in practice, especially when people start bumping up against those boundaries and expressing their displeasure—sometimes subtly, sometimes not.
Do you see what I see?
While negative emotions narrow our focus, it turns out that the opposite is also true... positive emotions broaden our awareness.
Now that’s another story
We all procrastinate. We all have insecurities. We all have days when things don’t go as planned. Luckily, there is a fairly simple technique that I’ve found remarkably helpful.
Notes to self
I invite you to join me as I practice saying yes to whatever comes—the pleasant and the unpleasant, the planned and the unforeseen, the ups and the downs.
Recombobulation, anyone?
This sign reminds me how much I could use a recombobulation station of my own. Couldn’t you? The thought of having a place to regroup mentally, emotionally, and physically feels miraculous.
Teaching… and learning
Students, colleagues, family members,… people in general will sometimes do things that make us feel “less than.” It often has nothing to do with you.
Where do I begin?
Leaps of faith can be thrilling. Excitement courses through our veins. We see endless possibility. We’ve got the world on a string.
Stop this brain… I want to get off!
Has your brain been in overdrive lately? Mine certainly has. If you’re like me, you’ve been both blessed and cursed with a brain that never stops.
Introducing The STANDOUT Professor blog!
Welcome to the very first post of The STANDOUT Professor blog! The overarching goal of The STANDOUT Professor community is to help faculty and leaders who challenge stereotypes thrive. I hope that you’ll feel a sense of belonging here and that the resources on the site will make your life at least a little easier… happier… better.