Looking ahead while savoring what’s left of summer

Hello friend,

I hope you’re enjoying the early days of August. If you’re like me, that may be easier said than done. I have a tendency to get ahead of myself, and I’ve often concluded that the summer was over on July 25th!

In reality, most of us have at least a couple weeks of summer left, and I encourage us to take time to savor them without rushing full force into the fall. I’m imagining how it would feel to enter into the school year gently, and it seems a lot better than the runaway train I typically experienced. 

Of course, slowing down that speeding train doesn’t mean failing to prepare for what’s coming. It just means we don’t let it completely take over. Maybe we can start by reflecting on how we want to feel as we embark on a new academic year and then set an intention for August that honors that. Just taking time to get outside and enjoy our surroundings can work wonders, too. I’m heading out for a walk soon myself.

Before I do, I’m excited to share a new opportunity for easing into the fall that’s available to post-PhD researchers at all career stages. The expanded (yay!) STANDOUT Professor Confab includes: 

• Focused work sessions every Monday through Thursday for enhanced accountability and productivity

• Informal virtual gatherings of researchers at similar career stages for camaraderie and encouragement

• Workshops for continued professional and personal development.

We begin on September 3rd, and early-bird pricing of $99 is available through August 12th. I hope you’ll consider participating and inviting colleagues to join you! You can learn more and register here.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or suggestions.

Thanks for being here, and thanks for being you!
 
Elizabeth Odders-White