Thread by @VnVrinda

How I stay a bit organized in research.

Here are some points which I follow that help me in my research journey.

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@PhDVoice @ThePhDPlace @PhD_Genie @OpenAcademics #AcademicChatter #AcademicTwitter #scicomm #STEM

I know... This might be some infinite times you must have read a post or thread on how to stay organized! So what makes mine different? Maybe nothing earth-shattering but these are some tested points that I have been following for quite some years now.

1.I draw a “Pie Chart”: When in doubt, I draw a pie chart. I see what work consumes most of my time and divide them accordingly. So what I do is, make a pie chart and divide how much percentage I want to dedicate to each task.

For example:

2.Quality over Quantity: I used to complete the work which was on my list and get it done asap but then I realized, I was not happy with that style of working.

So now, I work on a task until I feel that I have given my best otherwise I keep on thinking about ways I could have done better in my previous work and it used to take away my focus on the present task.

I realized it's okay to give time to a particular task/project if it's especially a tough one.

3.“Filter” it out: Sometimes this goes hand in hand with both the above points. I filter out heavy to light tasks either I complete simple ones first and heavy ones at last or the reverse.

4.Honestly, I don't keep or have a rigid “schedule” now: I used to have one where I wrote my schedule on what time I have to do which task. Currently, I have an open schedule so that I can find time to do other activities.

Of course, I keep my deadlines in mind. I wasn't much adaptive to changes initially but now I am pretty much flexible with changes because of different working patterns.

5.Do you map out your research at the beginning of your project?

Got this habit from my bachelor days when I was also working as a research assistant alongside:

https://twitter.com/vnvrinda/status/1526969717898063873?s=21&t=Gwy00FF_JZjnz8kk_eY_zg

6.How to set a SMART goal. I have been following this since I started: IDP (Individual development plan) by @ScienceCareers.

This will help you define and pursue your career goals.

https://twitter.com/vnvrinda/status/1527397446627770370?s=21&t=Gwy00FF_JZjnz8kk_eY_zg

7.Read and make notes (with colourful pens): Saves time when I have to write articles, reviews, etc.

8.Observe your pattern of working + rhythm: This took some time for me to understand how and why I work (or used to) in a particular way. Is it because I feel productive or happy?

Sometimes you feel productive at the end of the day but exhaustive too which may lead to a question: At what cost? So it became important for me to observe what is working for me and how some blockages will lead to unpredictable delays.

9. A checklist that helps me...

https://twitter.com/vnvrinda/status/1519073885693661192

10. Wherever necessary, be creative...

Note: I am not writing these points because I have achieved some huge success in research. So this is where I am coming from: If you complete a task no matter how small it is, but you accomplish it in a better way than what you thought... That's your achievement.

These points will help you in organizing that work and count in your little achievements.

Thank you for reading!