It's often said that most people fear public speaking more than death. While I doubt that, it's pretty clear that speaking in front of people provokes anxiety in a lot of people. This year, work to conquer your anxiety over public speaking. Also consider these concrete tips on how to improve your skills

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Most graduate students begin the new year with a resolution or two, usually academic goals to achieve over the course of the year. Here are some ideas for changes to make this year as well as advice for keeping them.

2011 has begun but it's not too late to choose resolutions for this year.  Before you commit to a resolution(s), think carefully about yourself, your past, your goals, and your capacities. Conduct a self-evaluation to determine what you really need to change.

It is often said that writing is thinking. Many scholars explain that it is through writing that they come to understand their thoughts on a given topic. As this year ends, consider writing as a way to reflect on who you are and where you are going.

Reverb 10 is an annual online event designed to help participants reflect. Designed as a task for the month of December, Reverb 10 consists of 31 writing prompts, one for each day of December and each intended to encourage you to reflect on your life and your goals. While it's too late to end your year with Reverb 10, consider beginning 2011 with the daily prompts. Or simply select a few to consider over this holiday weekend.

Happy New Year!

Are you thinking about making the new year a fresh start? Not so fast! Some say new year's resolutions are a waste of time as they are nothing more than a long list of "shoulds" that we don't take to heart. . Grad students don't have a lot of time to waste on new year's resolutions that will never come to fruition. Plan your new year's resolutions carefully this year and choose realistic goals that you can keep.

Holiday cheer coupled with the relief that comes with ending a semester makes it tempting for graduate students (and faculty) to ignore doing important end-of-the-semester thought work in favor of relaxing and enjoying the holiday festivities. I'm not suggesting that you forgo fun, but instead that you spend some time thinking about the past semester. What were your goals? What went well? What didn't? In other words, conduct an end of the semester self-evaluation.

It's holiday time. Take a day (or two) off. Don't think about graduate school. Don't think about work. Don't think about applications. Just be. Enjoy the holidays. Celebrate life and family. Happy holidays to you all.

The Fall semester is over. If you're like most academics you're relieved but also exhausted. You're probably also feeling unorganized. I am! Add in holiday tasks and commitments and even the most easygoing folks can feel stressed. What do you do? Take stock. Perform a mental dump.

Set aside a small chunk of time - half an hour to an hour - and write down every task or obligation that you think of. Use index cards, sticky notes, or a sheet of paper cut into 4 or 6 pages. Write 1 task per page. Nothing more. Write anything and everything that comes to mind, without censoring - even if items are repeated. Keep going until you can think of nothing more. Then sort your items to organize your tasks into categories. Then determine priorities. What has to be done now? What can wait? A mind dump is a great way to clear your head of those nagging thoughts and worries - and lets you take control of your tasks, set a plan, rather than feel overwhelmed with a unwieldy list.

Also see: Manage Your Holiday Stress
The To-Do List

Wondering what to get the graduate student on your list? Graduate students are an odd lot. Most are short on cash and will appreciate any gift, however small. What can you give that will light up your grad student's face? Here are a few ideas for gifts that graduate students will appreciate -- and that you can pick up quickly.

Trying to figure out how to pay for grad school? There are several options that a grad student can consider to finance their education. Learn about the different types of financial aid offered to graduate students.