Making Yourself a Priority: Reflections on Diarising Your Development

Sometimes you see an event advertised, sign up on a whim, and discover yourself taking part in a conversation that delivered a message that you weren’t fully aware you REALLY needed to hear (again). Well, that was my experience yesterday when I attended a NLTFN event – Diarising your Development: Making you a Priority. I saw the advert on LinkedIn, had the required gap over lunch in an otherwise packed day, so signed up.  It did result in day of back-to-back meetings online with zero breaks schedules, so I very nearly didn’t attend, but in hindsight, that impulse to go was probably my subconscious breaking through with the message to look after myself. I’ve been slowly slipping back into surviving not thriving. 

So why was the session so impactful right now? Well it explored the idea of diarising your development and making yourself a priority. At first glance, it sounded like a practical discussion about calendars, planning and time management. What it became was something much more thought-provoking: a reflection on how we, as busy professionals, make space for our own growth amidst the competing demands of everyday work. 

Like many people working in higher education, much of my time is spent supporting others. Whether it’s students, colleagues, projects, meetings or deadlines, there is always something requiring attention. It is rewarding work, but it can also mean that our own aspirations, development goals and wellbeing gradually move further down the priority list. 

The session brought together colleagues from across the higher education sector, and what struck me most was how familiar many of the challenges felt. Despite working in different institutions and roles, there was a shared recognition that the things which matter most to our longer-term growth are often the easiest to postpone. Writing that paper, applying for fellowship, developing a new skill, exploring a research interest, completing a promotions application, taking time to reflect, or simply creating space to think can all fall victim to the pressing demands of the present. 

A recurring message throughout the discussion was that development rarely just happens. I knew this but needed to be reminded of it. We often speak about wanting to achieve something, but unless we actively create space for it, good intentions can remain exactly that. Several contributors described protecting time in their diaries for activities that support their professional growth, treating that time with the same importance as any other meeting or commitment. And it was more than just planning professional growth. Identifying the priorities in life as a whole. The day job, the social hobby and the “personal development” boxes are all important. All need to be priorities and all need to be diarised. 

It sounds simple, but it has prompted me to consider how often we cancel appointments with ourselves.  I don’t think this is just a me thing.  

We (I) would rarely think twice about attending a scheduled meeting with a colleague, yet sacrificing time we had set aside for writing, reading, learning or reflection when another request arrives, becomes a norm. Perhaps the challenge is not finding more time, but valuing our own development enough to protect the time we already have? 

The conversation also highlighted that making ourselves a priority does not necessarily mean squeezing more activities into already busy schedules. I know I fall victim to just saying yes and taking on more and more things. But what is really needed is to create and honour boundaries. 

The meeting participants shared different approaches to protecting their energy and focus, from blocking out uninterrupted time, to building short breaks between commitments, to being clearer about when their working day begins and ends. What became apparent was that there is no universal solution. We all work differently, and the strategies that enable one person to thrive may not work for another. What is important is to take time to work out what works for you.  

This led to some really valuable discussions about recognising our own working patterns. Some people flourish with detailed plans and structure. Others work best with flexibility and freedom. Some gain energy from collaboration, while others need quieter periods to process and create. Rather than striving to fit a single model of productivity, perhaps we should spend more time understanding what helps us work at our best. 

Another theme that resonated strongly was the importance of small steps. Professional development goals can often feel daunting when viewed as a whole. Whether it is preparing an application, embarking on a new project or pursuing a long-term aspiration, the destination can feel distant. Yet when broken down into manageable actions, progress suddenly feels much more achievable. 

One conversation. One idea. One draft. One hour set aside with purpose. 

Small actions, repeated consistently, can lead to significant change. 

Perhaps my biggest takeaway from the session was the reminder that none of us are navigating these challenges alone. Listening to colleagues openly discuss their experiences was reassuring and energising in equal measure. There was comfort in recognising common struggles and inspiration in hearing the different ways people were overcoming them. 

When I logged into the session, I think I was expecting to pick up a few practical tips about planning my diary. I left feeling comforted that there is a supportive network out there, and that reflecting our own development matters. But taking on too much can hinder development, not support it. 

In a profession centred on supporting others, it can feel uncomfortable to prioritise ourselves. Yet investing in our own growth, wellbeing and aspirations is not selfish. It is what enables us to continue bringing our best selves to the students, colleagues and communities we serve. 

So, I’ll leave you with the same question I found myself considering afterwards. 

What is one thing you could do this week to make yourself a priority? 

For me, I need to a) prioritise the SL application and b) work out what I’m going to stop doing.