Image provided by Freepik.com
Dear friends,
Summertime is here! Can you believe it? For a minute there I wasn't sure I would make it through the always-hectic month of May. I hope all of you have time away planned this summer. I've written before about how important it is to pay attention to, and align our work plans with, seasonal rhythms that affect our body and mind.
This month I want to consider a question that came up at a works-in-progress seminar: "Should I focus on work that is clearly fundable or continue to pursue my passion project?" There's no simple answer here. First, I wrote in a prior post about the dangers of being overly focused. For senior investigators who started applying for R01s before 2012, focusing narrowly was good advice. For all of us coming along later, not so much. The question of passion or practicality extends beyond how narrow your research lane is, however.
Before we turn to your passion project, let's consider your "fundable" work. Is it important? Is it at least somewhat interesting to you? When you think about it, how do you feel in your body? Not everything we do has to get us deeply excited, but if your more practical work gives you a sinking feeling in your stomach or a sense of boredom, it's time to change it up. It is hard to thrive if you are doing work that doesn't fit at all with what you want to be doing.
I believe you should pursue your passion projects. I'll tell you why, and then lay out some important caveats. Follow your passion because it will give you energy and motivation- I can almost guarantee that you will be productive! Moreover, people's passion projects usually reflect their deepest held interests and values, and career satisfaction comes from following those feelings. Finally, in my experience as a mentor, ideas that inspire passion tend to be innovative and creative. Following those ideas leads to greater contributions to science.
Before you run off to pursue that passion, I will add a few words of caution. First, keep it manageable! What is a feasible way to pursue a topic or method that you care deeply about? You must keep making progress on the day-to-day work that you are funded to do. Choose a mini-project or join a project in a supporting role. Pursuing a passion doesn't mean you get to do the big, world-changing project you want to do at this moment. It means that you are doing something related to that big, world-changing project that you are working towards. Second, always collaborate! A colleague who shares your passion is more than a gift- it's a necessity! They will inspire you when you feel discouraged. Third, it's OK to invest funds as well as effort. Unfunded passion projects can incur costs in the form of travel, staff time, data needs, or other expenses. Don’t be afraid to spend within your means. Finally, tune out the naysayers. Cutting-edge ideas will not resonate with everyone. If one or two trusted mentors or colleagues can get behind your passion project, that is all you need.
As always, please share widely and, if you are so inclined, sign up for the blog here. Keep in touch and do share good news so I can amplify your successes!
Warmly,
Urmimala