“Do what works for you” is the best advice I could give because it is the best advice I have for myself.

That, and take a long (really long) view. Much of what we do and enforce on a day-to-day basis matters very little, and a few little things we do (or don’t do) matter a LOT over time.

There are two key things here to note: figuring out what works for you can be damn hard, time consuming, and can change over time. And yet it’s totally worth figuring out, in every stage of life and career.

Knowing what matters and what does not in the long run and keeping your eye on the difference is critical. Sustainable academic is about how to figure this out, and how to leave yourself some clues to maintain it. Do this, and you’re golden.

One reason this practice is so critical is so we know the difference between when to push through and when to take a break (or quit!) something. Knowing when to indulge and when to refrain is everything, and the sustainable academic framework can help guide these decisions.

We repeat the same patterns over and over, whether we’re aware of it or not. Bringing an awareness and intention to these patterns in our work and life beyond work opens possibility for sustainable change in both.