Well, I hate to be the voice of dissent ...

Actually, I don't mind at all:)

I DO appreciate these guidelines on how to be more productive and think that, with a little editing, work quite nicely for the entire year.  I remember one job where I lived approximately one block off campus from my office.  My habit was to go in to work early (4 AM) and I would have a large block of work done before anyone else showed up or the students began to stir.

However, I do think that there is value in NOT being productive all the time, and especially during the Golden Week.   I have long treasured this "time between" as the bustle of Christmas fades and the New Year is not yet here.

I find this a fertile time for thinking and reflection, but try to actively avoid doing much of anything.  In my experience, the time has been well spent, and overall I have come into the new year with a clearer idea of what I do need to get busy doing.

... plus, I like to relax and just go outside a lot, while everyone else is busy returning and exchanging gifts and writing resolutions that will probably not outlast the first sunrise of the new year:)

John