Renewable research energy

Metaphorically speaking

Research means a long walk. A very long walk. Sure, there are short excursions available here and there. But the longest walks seem to have the greatest chance of imprinting themselves on you. Thus, motivation and stamina will likely become an issue. It is one of the key capabilities of a researcher to lose neither your heading nor your propulsion.

Consequently, successfully conducting your research project in a fundamental sense means successfully defending your continuous advancement. In this context, maintaining, sustaining, and replenishing motivation are key activities. A good traveller knows his or her preferences for travelling, times of day more or less fitting for this or that task, and the necessity to account for and replenish energy lost in times of relaxation.

Part of becoming a good researcher is becoming a researcher who is not burned out after one project. One solution is making your project a part of your day which you do not continuously perceive as a burden you take up with disgust. If your project or your way of handling your project feels off, try to set aside worries about what you do and consider reflecting about how you try doing it.

(This is a preview section. The full chapter on this topic continues with the sections “Rough coordinates”, “Train of thought”, “In essence”, “To reflect”, “Two travellers’ tales”, “Devil’s advocate”, and “How to tackle”.)