Mid-Summer Check-in

By my count, summer is more than half way over, so it's time to take stock of where you're at in terms of being refreshed and being productive in your research. For many institutions, there is a plan to return to campus this fall, and in many ways this will mean a uniquely busy start to the academic year following a uniquely challenging year in a pandemic. So, preparing yourself will be especially important this year.

Don't Stress:

Now that I've freaked you out with a reality check, my first piece of advice is don't stress. If you're like most researchers, you've set big goals for yourself this summer along with some plans of catching up, and you weren't able to do it all. But, don't get hung up on it. Look at all the things you did do, and if you spent a lot of time relaxing, that's great - you needed it! So, do a reality check, but let go of any guilt or regret that comes along with it. Just use the moment to reset your plans, remembering that one important goal is for you to start the fall semester energized!

Plan For One More Break:

To that last point, plan for at least one more break in your summer. Take a trip or stay-cation and relax. Stay away from your email and projects and really focus on R&R. If you're having a hard time giving yourself permission for this, remember that stepping away from projects that are undone can give you a fresh perspective when you come back to them. So, set down that manuscript for a week; when you come back to it you'll be ready to tackle it.

Tie up Loose Ends:

Remember, the fall brings with it classes and meetings that you had some reprieve from during the summer. See what loose ends you can tie up before the semester is upon you. You'll feel better knowing that the grant proposal is in or you've submitted your review of a manuscript. Try to get those things done to free up some brain space.

Schedule Your Next Steps for Research:

Too often, faculty get caught up in the rigamarole of classes and teaching and before they know it, they're midway through the spring semester and they haven't made real progress on their research. Don't get caught in this. Plan for what you want to do related to your research fall semester and put due dates on your calendar or block out time on your calendar now so you don't get off track.

It will be a challenging year, but remember it will also be a rewarding year! You'll do great work and make important contributions to your field, so get ready!

Resources:

7 Productivity Tips, Backed by Science - Lemonade

Productivity for Researchers - Nature