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I've always understood that my energy is not limitless & I have to make wise decisions about where I "use" it. #Academia would have you focus on a "need" for particular "platforms" or "accolades" as critical for validating & advancing your work...but this was never "built" for me
I've understood that I have to be clear about "the work" that is mine to do & to guard my energy & cultivate networks of support AND accountability that help me stay focused on building, advocating, & advancing that work. THEN, and ONLY THEN, do I entrust that work to a platform.
You see, the academy/ #highered & the most loyal "gatekeepers"/"leaders" therein will have you believe that you desperately need particular platforms, accolades or "blessings" to persist & then "encourage" you to morph & change your work to remain "worthy" of having access to them
In so doing, you can lose your focus/commitment/ability to do work you're uniquely position to do, that institutions NEED (even if they don't necessarily WANT) you to do, in order to call them "higher" & to call for needed change. They tire you out chasing "success" & affirmation
This can be esp. true for the marginalized in these spaces. The promise of being "recognized", an "affirmation tax", can be wielded as a "carrot" for listening to advice on "how things work" & "realigning" your efforts & energy in exchange for acceptance.
http://www.berondamontgomery.com/reflect/the-radical-thing-i-did-in-higher-education/
http://www.berondamontgomery.com/reflect/the-radical-thing-i-did-in-higher-education/
Don't fall for the "affirmation tax"!!! GUARD your energy & vision. Know that no one platform can contain nor LIMIT you, if you develop, position & advance your work based on pursuing unique work & contributions, supported by a critical community of supporters & of accountability
