How can research professionals develop resilience to overcome setbacks?

It's important to know what your strengths are, and how you can use them to your best advantage; solving problems, building up confidence.Always go for a wider perspective, it's something you can develop, over time and helps the facing tough situations.Be open to seeking feedback and support, use the feedback to work on yourself.And most importantly, focus on your mental and physical well-being and take the time to celebrate your achievements! :)

Knowing what your strengths are is key when engaging in research and work. For example I know I am not as good as qualitative research. Therefore, when conducting research I play to my strengths and explore my research questions from a quantitative mind set. This helps me to feel more confident in being able to add to my field of literature in a meaningful way. Look at the gaps in literature and how my strengths can help overcome those deficits ☺️

Um ponto forte que costuma me ajudar como pesquisadora é o de realizar sínteses com facilidade. Após definir e analisar um tema, selecionar a abordagem na qual desejo estudar e aprofundar o assunto na pesquisa teórica, consigo construir sínteses que proporcionam o avanço em novos estágios da pesquisa tanto para mim quanto para outros pesquisadores que querem continuar com o mesmo tema. Minha habilidade de comunicar também ajuda no processo de disseminar as sínteses elaboradas.

Identification of Strength is a good way to be a part of self assessment. Whenever we go for research or choose a point to organize a research, we know what issues are challenges we are going to face & what would be key points which help to continue tasks for fruitful outcomes for community. Although we give our best to do. Improvement of skills, abilities along with previous experience in related field also play a important role on it.

Para el desarrollo de investigación es importante conocer qué habilidades o conocimientos son un área de oportunidad e incorporar a expertos en ese tema

I have a PhD in trauma and resilience. All of these posts that mention self care and boundary setting personally and professionally are on point. However, a huge part of our resilience is the support of the environment around us. If the academy is oppressive and has unrealistic expectations of our output it will undermine our resilience, overwhelm us and traumatise us. Don't expect academics to manifest resilience in toxic workplaces.

Reframing setbacks as learning opportunities can be a game-changer. Consider a research experiment that didn’t yield the expected results. Instead of viewing it as a failure, see it as an opportunity to understand what didn’t work and why. This mindset shift fosters resilience by promoting a growth-oriented approach to challenges.

It is not easy and it may take a long time to develop the mindset that there are no mistakes, all seemingly failed actions contribute to growth. Every failure shows the better action to take or opens up directions and possibilities to explore that were not visible previously.

When I did my research last time, I often met with setbacks and challenges. Failed experiments were norms. Having the negative feelings such as tired, anxious, failure and so on is normal but need to be managed effectively. I often restrategised my methods of approaching issues and challenges in order to create solutions. This cycle was normalised and can create inner resilience.

Eu prefiro ver um problema sempre como um desafio a superar (se não admite solução não é um problema) .O tempo de acolher meu ritmo pessoal e das pessoas da equipe para chegar aos resultados é fator, em minha opinião, da melhor qualidade do processo. O tempo da espera está conectado com a atitude de resiliência que devemos desenvolver. A flexibilidade para experimentar estratégias na solução de problemas é encorajadora para avançar em novas experiências. Procuro me ver como uma pessoa que se dedica a ampliar as competências, aproveitando as oportunidades que surgem e criando outras para a equipe. Busco animar com pensamentos positivos de alegria a caminhada, o que ressignifica as perspectivas.

Don't hesitate to seek support from colleagues, mentors, or peers. Discussing setbacks with others can offer fresh perspectives and insights. Constructive feedback provides valuable input that can help refine your approach. It's like having a brainstorming session where new ideas and solutions emerge.

Na minha experiência, oferecer feedback é uma habilidade a ser treinada pelo pesquisador que coordena a equipe. A forma de prover este retorno de validação de comportamento requer atenção: sem julgamento e sem comparação entre colegas. Se há declaração de julgamento ou de comparação pode gerar conflitos e estresse no grupo. O feedback como assistência emocional, prática ou informativa, me parece estar vinculado à resiliência se houver dentro da equipe um clima aberto de troca de feedback para fortalecimento de todos. A busca espontânea de feedback é mais rara, mas pode ser implementada pelo exemplo do chefe que pode pedir o retorno sobre um comportamento seu que tenha sido observado. O bom feedback é sempre a partir de algo observado.

I agree. Sometimes when you’re really stuck into something, we can’t see the forest from the trees. Seeking support and feedback is a good way to refresh our thinking and to gain perspectives, learn from others, and to potentially nourish your mind and soul.

Selfcare and wellbeing is crucial. You cannot do your best work if you are tired, burnt out and exhausted. Plus you are less able to manage changes that may occur whilst conducting your research. I try to set scheduled for when to do work and when to take time to look after my physical and mental health. It's important to get that balance right and find what works for you! Some of the things I do are: - distraction - TV, gaming - self-soothing with 5 senses - spending time with family or friends (or my pets) - prioritising self care - showing, washing hair, fresh pyjamas.. etc

Some experiments could take hours and days to finish. From ordering consumables, strelising large batches of samples and benches, preparing equipments and reagents to finally executing the experiment and maintaining it was exhausting and tiring. Sometimes researchers need to come over to the lab during weekends to handle their life samples. Planning is important and wellness should be part of it. When it is time for break, do it. When the lab is closed, go for holiday. Life is short and important too.

Self-care ensures that we have the strength (mentally and physically) to continue. Just as how flight safety videos tell you to put the oxygen mask on yourself before attending to those around you - self-care works the same way.

Emphasizing self care and wellness in your daily life not only helps you overcome challenges, but it also increases your self esteem. Although the term “self care” immediately brings to mind meditation practices and beauty routines, that is not all it is. Self care also embodies cultural activities like visiting museums, going to art exhibits, attending Broadway or ballet shows, and taking classes in your free time. In reality self care is a broad term that means different things for different people and encompasses anything that increases vitality.

All work and no play makes John a dull boy. This adage makes more sense now than ever, our bodies are vehicles for wealth production. Without self-care and wellness, we cannot function. We, therefore, need to take good care of ourselves. This goes beyond our diet, it encompasses exercising, pursuing our hobbies and generally making sure we are in a good mental state to perform research work.

Small celebrations like sharing a LinkedIn post, send a message to your family with a picture, are really something that in the long term, can report what you have achieved step by step. Keep going and make yourself an example for others!

Celebrate your little successes. I always feel energized whenever I impact and motivate others with my successes. This makes me work extra hard and challenge myself more.

I often find that reminding ourselves of the broader impact of our research can provide motivation and a sense of purpose. I constantly tell my trainees that setbacks are a normal part of the research process and can lead to new insights and directions. It's important to recognize that not all experiments or research projects will yield positive or expected results. Taking the time to analyze why is crucial to engage at depth. This reflection can offer valuable lessons, preventing similar situations in future projects and fostering openness to changing approaches or directions. Acknowledging errors or limitations and demonstrating adaptability are key strengths in the ever-changing landscape of research.

Nothing is a setback in research everything opens up some new paths which may end up in a block but still a new path. So please don't think that you are having setbacks, you finding something new everyday that doesn't work.

Set realistic and achievable goals. Define what you want to accomplish and how you will measure your progress and success. Realistic goals should be aligned with your abilities, resources, and time frame. Breaking down large tasks into small and manageable steps can also be helpful.

Always have a 1st,2nd 3rd etc plan for any situation. Having back up plans make you feel more confident when pursuing anything and will help with setbacks

Research professionals build resilience by: Mindset: Embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Adaptability: Flexibility in adjusting plans to setbacks. Support Network: Seek guidance and encouragement from peers and mentors. Self-Care: Maintain a balance between work and personal well-being. Persistence: Stay focused on long-term goals despite obstacles. Reflection: Assess setbacks for insights and growth. Learning: Continuously upgrade skills and knowledge.