In academia, we pride ourselves on being high achievers. We grade, advise, write, mentor, publish, present, apply for grants, and serve on countless committees—all in the name of impact and advancement. But amid the hustle, we often lose track of something vital: ourselves.
In this Write With Me Activity Time video, titled Monitoring How Well You Are Doing, I invite you to pause, reflect, and engage in one of the most important acts of professional development you’ll ever do—checking in with you. This activity is pulled directly from the Resources and Checklists section of The Professor’s Week in Review (The WIRe Journal for short), a guided tool I created to help faculty make weekly reflection a consistent, meaningful habit.
The Silent Crisis: When Ambition Overshadows Wellness
Transparency moment—academics are often praised for pushing through the pain. Skipping lunch to finish grading, replying to emails at 2 a.m., or ignoring the need for rest in pursuit of the next publication. It’s become a badge of honor. But what’s the cost?
Unchecked ambition can lead to burnout, anxiety, chronic illness, and even depression. We weren’t meant to sprint indefinitely in a marathon career. And yet, so many of us do.
That’s why this video and accompanying exercise matter, because before we can become better educators, researchers, or leaders, we must first become better caretakers of our whole selves.
The Four Areas You Must Monitor—Regularly
In the video, I guide you through a reflective exercise that gives you time and space to assess four critical areas of your well-being. These aren’t fluff—they’re foundational.
1) Sleep
Are you well-rested or running on empty? Lack of quality sleep weakens your immune system, impairs focus, and affects emotional regulation—none of which pair well with academic rigor.
2) Self-Care
When was the last time you did something just for you? Self-care isn’t indulgent. It’s a form of resistance against a system that demands more than it gives. Taking care of yourself is the most radical kind of professional development.
3) Nutrition
Coffee and convenience snacks aren’t enough to power your brain. What you consume determines your energy, clarity, and even your mood. Nourish to flourish.
4) Thoughts and Feelings
Are you aware of what’s swirling in your mind? Or are you numb, going through the motions? Your inner narrative shapes your experience. Monitoring your thoughts and feelings helps you regain clarity, compassion, and purpose.
During the video, time is provided for you to reflect on each of these areas. I’ll be right there with you, holding space as you do the hard, necessary work of turning inward.
Watch the Video. Join the Movement.
I invite you to watch Monitoring How Well You Are Doing and engage in the activity with me. As you are catching the replay, know that your presence matters. The time that you devote to this activity is your opportunity to slow down, check in, and reconnect with the person behind the title.
Take Action: Journal Your Journey
To deepen this practice, order your copy of The Professor’s Week in Review in the version that best suits your lifestyle:
Each version offers space for weekly wins, concerns, lessons learned, and—most importantly—gratitude and self-awareness.
Join the Mindful Academic Challenge
If you’re ready to commit to consistent growth and reflection, I invite you to join The Mindful Academic Challenge, running from August 23rd to December 6th. This free 16-week experience is designed to help you build reflective habits, engage in meaningful journaling, and strengthen your professional presence without sacrificing your peace.
Sign up for updates and weekly prompts by joining The Mindful Academic mailing list today.
Final Thoughts: You Are Worth the Check-In
Remember, you are more than your title, your course load, or your publication count. You are a whole human being, and your well-being is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Monitoring how well you’re doing isn’t a side task. It’s a radical, revolutionary commitment to showing up fully for your students, your colleagues, your family—and yourself.
So, how are you doing? Really?
Take 15 minutes to find out. Watch the video. Complete the activity. And let this be the day you put yourself back on your calendar.