When working with clients, we have often found that their expectations of the research funding process are not in alignment with what they are experiencing. This leads to frustration and feeling that they’ve hit a dead end -- like being unable to see a path forward. Often, what’s needed is a recalibration in terms of what is required to achieve one’s objectives, particularly in terms of time requirements. For our purposes here, we define recalibration as an objective comparison of heretofore unchallenged, or assumed, beliefs with the results being achieved, followed by a ‘reset’ of those assumed norms to be more realistic.

Here are some key areas where this mismatch appears:

1. The amount of outreach and time required to establish a realistic possibility: The number of people you need to talk with to get a ‘yes’ may be much higher than you think. If you are basing your expectations on experiences from other spheres – your personal network, family, co-workers or students, for example – you may be also applying those norms to expectations about the funding process, in which case you need to be sending a greater number of inquiries – indeed a much greater number – than you are at present.

2. How much time is needed in the pre-proposal stage: Most PIs think the bulk of the work required for funding is in the form of composition. Yes, writing and rewriting require a lot of time-consuming effort. But many hours must also go into prep work before composing, such as conversations with funders, asking colleagues for feedback on your ideas or even an early draft of the proposal, or checking for very recent relevant developments or trends in the field. These steps will lead to a better finished product but they, themselves, do take time.

3. The time it will take to finalize proposal components: This means reviewing and revising all ancillary documents beyond the Project Description. Time for perfecting the Abstract or Project Summary are often underestimated. The final edit of the main proposal is another critical area that’s underestimated. One of our client’s well-written draft CAREER proposals required 1,472 edits by our language editor! It all takes time.

4. The number of proposals to submit: Don’t overdo it. I don’t advise a certain number of proposal submissions to be done per year. How many you should submit depends on several factors and that number will likely vary year-to-year. Of course, PIs can get some ‘credit’ within their institutions just for submitting, and I understand the pressure that’s applied there. Still, try to keep those submissions to the minimum. Alternatively, strive for fewer proposals, each with a better fit and of higher quality.

Bottom line: We need to be constantly recalibrating for each of these four stages of the funding process. Assessing and adjusting to current conditions and making course corrections is a continuous process. Realizing that results for ‘the’ proposal will be determined by whether you have done your very best at each of these four stages, and your expectations are therefore indeed realistic.

The importance of investing in yourself

If you are not reaching your career goals, it may be because you need to invest more in yourself.

In education and career, it's easy to pick up a do-it-myself attitude -- one where you are expected to just figure things out on your own.

This investment can come in the form of support to acquire specific career-related skills or it can be more general, like to support your physical or mental health with a fitness plan or therapy.

When we invest in ourselves, two things happen: (1) we get the actual support we need and (2) we reinforce the message to ourselves that we are worth investing in.

Number 2 is just as important as (1) because it helps us shift from a mindset of 'getting by' to one of thriving.

You are worth investing in. Just remember, you've got to take the initiative here. What you need will not just fall into your lap. Asking for help with something is usually the first step.

Check out this video where I dive into this topic.

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.

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