The "Mere Urgency Effect": Why Academic Tasks Feel Uniquely Overwhelming

Ever wonder why academic work feels so uniquely overwhelming? Research shows we tend to prioritise less important tasks simply because they appear urgent due to false time constraints—a phenomenon called the "mere urgency effect."

This effect is particularly dangerous in academia where potential rabbit holes and interesting tangents abound! The research world combines unlimited possibilities with limited resources. You have infinite directions to explore but finite time, energy, and funding.

Without effective prioritisation strategies, you'll constantly feel pulled in too many directions, leading to stress, burnout, and diminished research quality. It's not just about working harder—it's about working smarter.

Having supervised many PhD students, I've noticed those who master prioritisation consistently show three outcomes: more focused research outputs, reduced stress levels, and faster completion times without sacrificing quality.

The good news? Prioritisation is a skill you can learn and apply immediately. Like any skill, it improves with practice and proper guidance. With the right frameworks, you can transform how you approach your research planning and execution.

In my upcoming shorts, I'll share three powerful prioritisation frameworks that have transformed how my most successful students manage their research workload and achieve their academic goals.

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Link to the blog post: https://www.researchmasterminds.com/b...
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