Mindful Productivity for scientists

Mindful Productivity for Scientists is one of the signature courses of “I focus and write”. By the end of this course, the students will have a full strategy of productivity that starts with themselves at the center and builds up around the needs of each individual. For more information please have a look at the website.

The course includes a two day writing retreat to apply the learning goals.

 

LEARNING GOALS

This includes:

- An increase in self-awareness. The students identify their strengths, values, and purpose, which will be the basis for maintaining their motivation and set goals. 

- A mindful approach to identify their common struggles (for example impostor syndrome, perfectionism, procrastination…), and how to respond to them so they can keep moving forward.

- How to set S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals aligned with their values and translate these into projects and tasks.

- Plan their work so they can manage their time and their energy in an optimal way. They will identify the energy that different types of tasks consume and different activities to rest and recover energy.

- Practical tips to navigate relationships at work. From understanding cultural differences to setting boundaries. 

Class: This is the time when I will deliver the content in person with Power Point slides. These sessions are interactive encouraging student participation in the chat and verbally.

Self-reflection exercises: during these blocks, the students have different exercises to complete in their workbooks (an electronic form will be provided). I encourage them to print those to minimize screen time. During this time, I am available in a breakout room for questions.

Group discussion: here we share the outcome of the exercises and discuss any doubt.

Mindful breaks: after each block of activities, we will practice short mindful breaks (meditation, mindfulness, breathing exercises, etc.) that the students can then incorporate into their days.

 

THE CONTENT

The program is organized into 5 modules as follows:

Module 1: Self-awareness. Pareto principle; Rest & productivity; Strengths, values and purpose; Impostor Syndrome and limiting beliefs.

Module 2: Project management. Goal-setting; Projects, tasks, and priorities; Making decisions

Module 3: Time management. Defining the ideal day, week, and year; Pomodoro technique and perfectionism; Procrastination and finding flow.

Module 4: Energy management. Creativity and cyclical planning; Energy-productivity framework; Managing the environment

Module 5: Relationships management. Boundaries and saying no; The cultural aspect; Motivation and Happiness; Boundaries and saying no; Motivation and Happiness.

 

Pre-work: The students will have access to an online platform where they can watch extra video lessons to help them prepare before starting the course and settle what they learn afterwards.

General Information

Target Group:	PhD candidates, postdocs and scientific staff
Group size:	15
Course duration:	4.5 day
Language:	English
Credit points:	1.4 ECTS
Self-study hours:
Name lecturer:	Ana Pineda
Venue:	Wageningen

Programme

 

Fee

Reduced fee: • PhD candidates of Wageningen University with an approved Training and Supervision Plan (TSP) who are registered at one of the WU graduate schools (EPS, PE&RC, VLAG, WASS, WIAS, WIMEK) • Postdocs of Wageningen University who are registered at one of the WU graduate schools	€300
University fee: All other PhD candidates / Wageningen University postdocs and staff	€600
External fee: All other participants	€ 1200

Fee includes study and training material.

Cancellation condition

You may cancel free of charge up to four weeks before the start of the course. After this date you will be charged the University fee. Unless:

• You can find someone to replace you in the course and supply the course coordinator with the name and contact information of your replacement.
  In this case you will only be charged a € 50,- cancellation fee.
• You (PhDs and postdocs of Wageningen University) have a valid reason to cancel (illness or death in the family 1st or 2nd degree).
  In this case you will be charged the reduced fee and your supervisor/PI must send a mail indicating the reason for cancellation.

Information

For more information please contact

Juliane Teapal (Juliane.Teapal@wur.nl)