This is the software that I use to keep all my "to do" lists organized. Add this intuitively easy checklist software to your desktop - it allows for timing of tasks, simple hierarchical lists, and many different simultaneous lists. The timing feature is great for keeping you on task -- I find that it keeps me from falling prey to "Academic Distraction Disorder." I also like its clean white format, and the fact that the icon can sit in your system tray and open in a small format. Try it for free -- you'll get hooked!

A lot of graduate students writing their dissertation or professors writing articles have trouble with free writing. This is the kind of writing you should be doing to “find out what you’re thinking,” to jump start yourself when you are blocked, or to think more creatively.

I’ve found a fantastic, inexpensive software (which you can try for free for 15 “entries”) that encourages free writing. It’s called LifeJournal. Here are some of the reasons I like it:

• You can make daily entries and bookmark them according to categories you specify; e.g. “chapter one,” or “experiment 2.”
• You can then search for any writing you did that mentioned those categories. Therefore your free writing won’t fall into a black hole.
• You can search by date.
• You can track 10 categories in your life (which you define) by rating them daily and ranking them. This could include “amount written today,” “productivity,” “creativity,” “mood,” “energy” or “health,” to choose a few.
• You can then graph the categories and look for trends.
• There is a timeline that you can use to track your life so far, or to plan your dissertation or publication schedule.

I’ve already increased my own writing and task-doing productivity by using this software. It has many more features and benefits. I suggest you download it and try it out!

This is one of the coolest uses of the Internet for writers. Whether you are writing a dissertation or revising something for publication, try this out! The Visual Thesaurus is interactive and helps you look at language in a new way. It has a much more intuitive feel than a normal thesaurus, which I believe enhances your creativity. It's also a great way to get "unstuck" when you're writing.

Academics tend to overthink, overanalyze, and become overanxious. This is a particularly pleasant relaxation video that takes just a moment to enjoy.

You work hard. You play hard. You need to relax. Visit this site, sit back and enjoy a special presentation designed to help you relax right away. It's free!

If you are worried about getting into graduate school or any professional school such as law school or medical school, contact AdmissionsConsultants, Inc.. They have admissions committee experience and can maximize your chances of gaining admission to the graduate school of your choice.

"The online resource directory with a complete guide to jobs and careers."

This site contains an exhaustive list of resources for people considering a career change. Many academics fear looking outside of academia, partly through ignorance of what is available -- not many graduate schools prepare you for non-academic careers. Know your options -- there are probably more available than you think!

Here is the site of my esteemed colleague, Dr. Mary McKinney. You will find that her site, Successful Academic, is loaded with great articles, tips and information that will help you at any point in your academic career, from graduate student to full professor. I think she is the best one out there in an increasingly crowded field. So check out her site!