Illustration provided by Adobe Stock Photo.
Dear friends,
Goodbye, summer! Usually I am excited for the back-to-school return to routine that fall brings. This year I just feel like I am holding my breath. With all the harm we’ve witnessed and experienced over the last few months, there is dread about what is coming next. I’m still wrestling with the question of how to move our work forward at such a challenging moment.
Over the last month I inched my way slowly and laboriously out of my midpoint slump. Four different strategies helped me move forward. First, and most important, my team showed up every day and put in their best work, giving me a much-needed jolt of energy. Second, I started digging into the writing more. That front-line, individual contributor work has felt satisfying. Third, I allowed myself some time for learning. I tinkered around somewhat aimlessly with various generative AI tools. I remain a novice, but one with more hands-on experience. Finally, I prioritized meeting with inspiring colleagues. I had the opportunity to attend a convening at Stanford with a broad range of public health and innovation types. It didn’t lead directly to a tangible and well-defined goal, but it helped me remember that there’s an amazing community out there for me to collaborate with.
Despite some progress, I still felt stuck. As usual, talking it out helped me reframe. A wise and highly productive colleague told me that she has made a deliberate decision to not to plan out her next NIH grant; her strategy is to observe how the federal budget and fall reviews turn out before making her next move. Her words made me feel better about my recent inability to strategize. It’s not us, it’s our unstable environment! For me, this uncertainty extends to my life beyond work, as I navigate my eldest’s journey to college and growing challenges with aging parents. It’s not surprising that I’m finding it hard to think long-term! For the rest of 2025, my intention is to be aware of how the landscape is changing and nimble enough to respond to opportunities when they arise. It’s a holding pattern, an intentional decision not to think five steps ahead.
Current events both near and far continue to affect us all in profound ways, and I know it is hard to find the energy and will to keep going at times. Remember that the world needs your science, and you’re not in it alone! As always, I love to hear from you. Please share widely, as usual, and let others know they can sign up here.
Warmly,
Urmimala