Unless you were living on another planet, 2020 probably threw you for a loop in terms of everything including your research. And, of course, we're not out of the proverbial woods yet, but it is important to reflect on your work from 2020, conduct a bit of a SWOT analysis, and begin planning for 2021. So, below I offer a map for research planning for 2021 and beyond!
SWOT your research
A SWOT analysis refers to an assessment of your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It is frequently used in organizations as they work to develop or revise their strategic plan, but there is no reason that we shouldn't also use it as researchers. So on a whiteboard or on your computer, create a list for each SWOT category. Consider your body of work now. What are the strengths of your research? What niche are you filling? What's unique about your research that contributes to its strength? Next, consider weaknesses. Are there holes in your research? Are there concerns about your approach or methods? After you've assessed your research, it's time to assess the landscape. Begin with opportunities. Although the pandemic is likely going to fall into your threats category, perhaps it has offered some opportunities. Is there a way that you can pivot some of your research goals to respond to the questions and calls for research we've seen during the pandemic? Lastly, consider threats to your research agenda. Certainly 2020 manifested many threats to most folks' research, but certainly moving forward, what are other threats to your research, including and beyond the pandemic.
Revisit your long-term goal
After assessing your research and the landscape, it's time to re-focus on your long-term research goal. If you haven't already, identify your ultimate research goal. What do you want to have accomplished in 5-10 years? What do you, as a researcher, want to be known for? This long-term goal setting or refocusing will help you to keep your planning and work in line and keep you from spinning your wheels or moving into unproductive tangents.
Create an annual plan
Once you've set your sights further into the future, it's time to focus on the now and the near future. Take your long-term goal and benchmark what needs to happen yearly to get you there. This will bring you down to what you need to accomplish in 2021 to stay on track. Once you have your annual goal, you can repeat the process to identify things like what projects do you need to complete? Which do you need to start? Which publications need to be submitted or revised? And, what grants do you need to apply for to keep the wheels turning on your research? As you answer these questions, you'll be able to map out a timeline that will serve as the skeleton for your annual plan.
Consider your day-to-day
You've re-affirmed your goals and you know where you're going! As we are in the season of new year's resolutions and re-committing to good habits, consider your work habits. Identify when you are going to write. You might need to block time on your calendar, make a commitment to "touch" your work daily, or leave yourself bread crumbs in your writing so that it's easier to pick up where you left off. These daily practices and micro-goals can allow you to maintain your research productivity.
Take a break and give yourself grace
Lastly, 2020 has been difficult, and although we're optimistic about 2021, there are still more hard times ahead. Burnout is a real threat to researchers, especially right now, so as you are planning for the year ahead, be sure to include selfcare in that plan. And, when things don't go as you hoped, take a break and give yourself the grace and space you need before coming back around and forging ahead.
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