Hey friends
2025 is coming to an end. Let me ask you something
Look at your research goals for 2026.
Now be honest
How many of them were already on your list in 2025? Or the year before?
And if nothing changes in your approach, how many will still be there in 2027? 2028?
If you’re like many researchers, there’s a quiet voice inside you saying, “There has to be a better way.”
And maybe you have tried to achieve these goals with endless to-do lists, more writing challenges, more motivational talks.
And this voice is usually right
Usually, your goals don’t need more effort. They just need better design.
Here is what I think works best
• Set goals around systems, not outcomes. Instead of planning to “publish three papers,” plan how you’ll write consistently. You could block some focused writing time 5 days a week
• Align goals with your capacity. Ambition is great, but unrealistic timelines kill it. Plan for real life, not your ideal one
• Define “progress” clearly. Track stuff you can control (drafts written, analyses completed), not just external results like “accepted paper” which is more a byproduct of your work
• Learn how to say no. Every “yes” costs you time for something that matters more. Be intentional about what you can take on
• Schedule reflection points. At least a weekly or a monthly catch up with your supervisor/team or yourself to adjust as soon as possible before another year goes by
My key message: it’s not about doing more
It’s about doing better with what you already have.
Unfortunately, many researchers think they need to work harder, longer hours, or submit to more journals..
But what they really need is to redesign how they approach their research goals altogether.
Because the future of your research isn’t waiting for more time, you just need a better plan
Well, that’s all for this week
As usual, let me know what you think. I read every response
Until next Sunday,
Jamal