how W.E.B. Du Bois managed his schedule

 

W.E.B. Du Bois was a Harvard-educated writer, historian, sociologist, and civil rights activist. He was a founding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and was a professor at Georgia's Atlanta University. Du Bois frequently traveled between the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia while also publishing critically acclaimed essays about the experiences of people of color.

In the mornings, W.E.B Du Bois focused almost entirely on his academic pursuits, reading and preparing for his lectures. He would then spend his midday through afternoon in his capacity as a civil rights leader. He held meetings, wrote letters, and gave speeches. And finally, in the evening, he would make time for his loved ones.

With the many roles and projects Du Bois undertook, his schedule was packed. As such, he had to find a technique to organize his chaotic life. 

So, how did Du Bois manage his schedule?

Throughout his life, he used customized, charted paper to track all types of tasks that he had to complete, whether they were large or small. These papers predate the productivity trackers we know today. He made sure that all tasks were accounted for, recording daily, weekly, monthly, and even yearly goals. Du Bois' schedule was ever-changing and his calendars reflected that. He would scratch out items as they were cancelled or completed, not needing to keep his documentation pristine.

What can we learn from W.E.B. Du Bois' planning methods?

Du Bois had an exceedingly busy life. So, his scheduling and planning had to be organized. Whether or not someone accomplishes their tasks is often dependent upon whether the infrastructure they have around their life is sufficient. Make sure the amount of time you put into organization is proportional to the amount of work you want to put in.