During my mid-semester check-in, I learned that when I have goal equations I am able to stick to my plans and achieve my goals. This is what winning looks like.
Achievement Goal + Click-up + Tokens = Winning
For the first time in my entire teaching career (that I can remember) I submitted mid-term grades early – and I mean way before the deadline. The definition of winning!
During my previous quarterly review, I set a goal for myself to provide a grade and/or feedback for all student work that is submitted on time within one week of submission. This goal is directly connected to my vision to be promoted to full professor, which is a part of my overall life purpose and direction. That sounds lofty. But having my goals align to my larger vision and purpose helps me keep focus.
Why this goal?
When I outlined this goal, I also took a few minutes to think of why it was important to me. I came up with two primary reasons that keep me working through the to-be-graded list even when I’d rather be doing something else. Supporting student learning and success are important to me. Improving my teaching evaluations is also important for my long term winning.
How to win?
After determining the goal and the key motivations, I made a list of next steps. I’ve already talked on the blog about how I use Clickup to track the to-be-graded list (see this YouTube video for how I use it). The LMS had each due date clearly indicated. This helped students with on-time submissions. I also set a reward for myself. This goal has been hard for me to reach and I want to be sure to take time to relish what I’ve accomplished!
How it’s going?
Since implementing the Clickup grading list, I have been able to stay on top of the regularly weekly grading and the large project/exam grading. When I’ve missed the mark, I’ve been able to get back on track easily. I started using the Clickup grading list last semester. And while I wasn’t able to finish all of the grades early last semester (see my previous post about how my semester was derailed at every turn), having the list in one place helped me get back on track after each emergency.
This semester has been easier on the home front.
I’ve mostly returned graded work to students on time. Because all of the grading was listed in one place, it was easy to get back on track when I feel behind. It was easy to prioritize what to grade next. So, I only missed the goal on a couple of non-key assignments.
Missing the mark
I gave myself grace when I missed the mark. I decided to give myself “tokens” like the ones I give students. When I can’t meet my goal, I exchange a token for a deadline extension. This means that I’ve still met my goal because I’m within my token limit! YAY, Winning!
When the mid-term grade submission deadline rolled around, all I had to do was go into my LMS and check the grade book.
When the mid-term grade submission deadline rolled around, all I had to do was go into my LMS and check the grade book.
- No mad scrambling to finish up grading a large project.
- No just putting in grades that I thought were an accurate reflection.
- No putting in grades with minimal information.
- No spending my entire weekend catching up on grading.
I had everything I needed to submit grades for every student in each course. This was a winning solution in my book.
They were due on Monday, I submitted the last of them by mid-day on Friday. Most were done by Wednesday that week! WA-HOO. My achievement goal combined with tools and grace have set me up for success this semester.
I’m so looking forward to my rewards in May!
Spring 2023 Update
The goal for full professor is still there just a little further off. A new job was my first step. I’m back to assistant professor. This feedback for students goal remains top of mind for me.
Achievement Goal + Habit Goals = Winning
The other big project I’ve been working on this semester is a book proposal for the book I wish I’d had when I started my first full faculty position. To be honest, when I took that position I didn’t know what I was getting into. Like many of my colleagues, I thought I needed to teach classes and “do some research.” Boy, howdy did I have a lot to learn!
My goal is to submit my book proposal to an acquisitions editor by March 31! Along side this goal I have a habit goal to work on my book proposal for one hour, 5 mornings a week (you can see how that fits in with my weekly plan here.)
What I’ve tried before did not = winning
Academic books are presented to publishers based on a proposal, not a completed manuscript. I didn’t know that for many years! And the knowledge of what all goes into a book proposal didn’t hit home until last summer. I decided it was time to begin writing the book. It had been floating in my head for years. It was time to get it out to the world. Well, it was time to start.
I started out trying to write a book a decade ago (right after completing my dissertation) with Germano’s book, From Dissertation to Book. I’ll be honest. As a new faculty without a doctorate, I had no knowledge of how book writing worked. I still couldn’t find my way through the process to create a book. I even had a contract with a prominent publisher in my field! But I failed to produce a book. I’ve finally let go of the shame of that failure.
I’ve read Getting it Published: A Guide for Scholars and Anyone Else Serious about Serious Books by William Germano multiple times throughout my career. I knew, I had a book in me. I also knew I needed help to make it happen. That book wasn’t enough for me to get a book written and published. I was still having trouble putting the information together into a workable proposal because I didn’t have a fully workable plan for a book.
How I learned what I needed to Win
Signing up for a book coaching certificate program finally kick started my book writing journey. I knew that I needed more step by step guidance. If I wanted to help fellow academics in the future as a coach – not necessarily as a book coach – but as a career coach, I knew I needed to learn more. I figured I could learn more about coaching and help myself in my book writing journey along the way. When I saw Author Accelerator’s Non-fiction Book Coaching program, I signed up to coach myself through writing my book. I hoped to learn a bit about coaching others through the book writing process too.
The non-fiction book coaching course was focused on producing a proposal not writing the book. But, it’s supposed to be that way. When you get the proposal right you have the structure and contents of the book sufficiently detailed. The writing comes from that foundation. The most important thing I learned from the course is: I need a book coach!
The most important thing I learned from the course is: I need a book coach!
Don’t get me wrong. What I learned in that course provided a foundation. But, I realized I would make progress more quickly if I weren’t doing it on my own. I needed someone to coach me through it. I drafted several parts of my proposal on my own.
How it’s going
After interviewing several coaches, I hired someone that is a great fit for me. We meet once per week to keep my project moving. It’s exciting to work with someone who has helped others through the process. She has answered questions, helped me think about my book in new ways, and given me feedback on drafts.
The combination of my morning writing ritual and my weekly meetings with the coach are keeping me on track to hit my target submission date of March 31 (or shortly after). My proposal needs final touches based on feedback from my coach and a couple colleagues. Most of my energy right now is going toward Chapter 2 of the book, which I’ll be sending as part of my proposal package.
My Achievement Goal combined with my habit goal is keeping me productive so I can reach this goal this semester. This is a winning equation.
Spring 2023 Update
I did not submit that proposal by March 31, 2022. Landing a new job took a lot of time in that spring 2022 semester. However, I did submit the proposal to publishers in October 2022. I’m still waiting to hear back from a couple of acquisitions editors. I’m currently working on a second book proposal with a college. An acquisitions editor is excited to receive it. I am equally excited to share more about the project in the coming months.
Share Your Goal Equations
What are your current goals? How’s your progress? What tools or habits do you have to help you achieve your goals? What equations are working for you? What’s helping you reach that winning mindset?