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In this episode of Mentoring Matters, dig into the (unfortunately) age-old question: am I actually being productive, or just busy? Inspired by Cal Newport's Slow Productivity, we explore what it looks like to focus on fewer, higher-impact commitments, and why that matters not just for your own work, but for the quality of mentoring you can offer your students.

We talk through how to evaluate new opportunities before you say yes, why the real time cost of a commitment is almost always more than you think, and how to stop wearing "busy" as a badge of honor. Spoiler: sometimes the most productive thing you can do is say no.

Whether you're a new faculty member figuring out what to take on or a seasoned mentor feeling stretched thin, this one's for you. Our homework: try a time audit this week and notice what energizes you versus what drains you.

For actionable tips and strategies for mentoring please check out The Graduate Mentor's Trail Map available in paperback and ebook!

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