When you are trying to do all the things, and especially when those things don’t feel like they are coming together, you may wonder does it ever get easier?

The short answer is that, yes, it does get easier. But, that doesn’t make things less hard now. Many people I’ve connected with over the last two weeks have been exhausted. It happens this time of year for those on an academic calendar.

Having an easier time of things related to your research and getting it funded will happen once you’ve reached a state of interdependence. This is when opportunities will flow to you and from you in addition to your pursuing them. I share a lot on best practices, strategies and tactics on how to establish yourself for sustained success.

But actually reaching this sort of equilibrium is a medium- to longer-term endeavor. When you are starting out, you’ve got to put a lot of energy into the system. That is, you must plant and harvest in the same season.

Here are some strategies to consider when approaching overwhelm and/or exhaustion:

• Take a full 24 hours off from going on the computer or doing any work. Period.

• Identify one or more tasks that are quick to set in motion and then step away from. For example, is someone waiting on you for a go-ahead or a quick set of instructions so that they can take action on a project? It may be worth taking 10-15 minutes now to provide those instructions. Then something does move forward while you get some rest.

• Ask a person for information or guidance rather than spend time chasing down information on the Internet. This can save a huge amount of time and feel less mentally taxing. It also helps strengthen the relationship.

• Use a time management method called the Pomodoro Technique, which involves setting a timer, turning off all distractions and focusing on one task only during that time. The conventional block of time is 25 minutes but I use 60 minutes. I’m then often able to do another 60 minutes after that. Use whatever intervals work for you.

There are many strategies to address overwhelm (and overwork) in the short term but I share the ones above because I’ve used them all myself within the last two weeks. Most importantly, practice non-judgement towards yourself. You are doing enough. Being hard on yourself won’t improve anything.

Getting to sustained success 🏆️ 

What do things look like when they are easier? I talk about that in this video. Check it out and don’t count it as ‘work’. Just consider what you can do to establish this state of interdependence where the opportunities come to you.

When you are ready, here’s how we can help

Need to get your research funded, this year? Check out our 10-week program to get you there.

Want a done-for-you website that highlights your research impact? Let us do that for you. (We even write all the content for you!)

Ready to book a call to discuss our training, websites, or to have Dr. Barzyk provide training at your institution? Let’s chat!