To Do List

The To Do List should only include important, significant tasks. You might keep another daily list for picking up the dry cleaning or checking a particular book out of the library, but you should have one list that includes only things that are really major. You don't want to give yourself the false impression that you've been hugely productive just for having done a lot of littler things. Here's mine for Feb. / March, with an asterisk denoting completion. Items are listed in order of when I'd like to get them done or firm deadlines that can't be missed. You'll notice that there are four grant applications here. I'm investing some time in that rather than writing the project itself.

I spend some time virtually every day working on the list itself. In other words, re-ordering, prioritizing, adding items, striking through things I've already done, and figuring out easier components of these items that I can take care of earlier than expected. For example, an abstract for the MACHL conference could be done this weekend or even between classes tomorrow, even though the deadline is not impendingly urgent. The time spent on the list is not wasted, because it motivates me to get things done a bit earlier. It's a bit like packing a suitcase more efficiently by placing small items in outside compartments.

Annual Performance Evaluation.*

Spain trip.*

GRF: write*

GRF: print* and submit by Feb. 4

Final revisions for Ullán article.

NEH Seminar application

(First draft completed and sent to NEH, January 20*)

Submit abstract for MACHL conference by end of February

March 5: International Travel Grant Deadline

1st Chapter of Modernism book: March 30, self-imposed deadline

Cultural cooperation grant. April 1