NIH social media has been a hoot these days too.

It’s not gatekeeping, it’s just not wanting to get a possibly preliminary and incorrect message out to a large audience until it has been examined more thoroughly.

Many people share unpublished work at conferences. Varies by field.

Possibly out of fear the story might change.

What’s important is that I don’t shy away from recognizing what I really need to do.

I have found this is like a muscle, and when I practice doing what I need to do (but might not “want” to do in the moment), I am usually much happier.

But I do have to be honest with myself about what I actually want in life and to work toward those goals each day. Some days it means working on stuff I find really hard, and tolerating extended periods of boredom, frustration, shame, regret, etc. Other days can be really easy.

This DOESN’T mean I am constantly grinding through my to-do list. That’s a super sad life I wouldn’t wish on anyone. (I’ve been there.)

I used to think that if I felt stressed or sad, I needed a distraction to feel better, and then I could get on with my life. I finally realized that’s not usually the most loving response. The most important part of my regular self-care is in fact confronting what I most need to do.

When I do the scary things I know I need to, I am a much happier person because I'm growing into the kind of person I want to be.

It took me a long time to lean into this desire. From the outside, it's hard to distinguish from punitive "self-discipline."

“That’s an awfully nice university you have there. Would be a shame if something happened to it.”

-DOJ

www.nytimes.com/2025/06/27/u...

Once again, mostly coaching myself here. 😅 I'm probably going to have a talk like this this week with another PI about a project that needs adjustment.

#newpi #phdadvice #postdoc

5. If you can't address the top problems quickly, talk to your advisor. Emphasize your proposed next steps. These kinds of strategic decisions about research direction are your advisor's bread and butter.

These kinds of talks show you are a mature, thoughtful scientist and a reliable collaborator.

1. Ask yourself what ideas underlie your dislike. What's wrong with the work?
2. What are the most logical next steps to address each concern?
3. Rank the concerns in order of importance/emotional intensity.
4. Figure out your opportunity cost. What else would you be working on?
(cont'd)

Trainees, you have my sympathy if you don't like your project but also feel trapped by it. I've been there. I think there are some things you could do (and that I wish I had done).

🌟 The most important is not to assume that because you dislike your research, you should quit. 🌟