#83 — Can you decide what captures your attention?

Modern society has developed sophisticated means of engaging our attention, often for purposes decidedly against our personal interests.

And in the lab, tasks like calculating reagent concentrations or pipetting multiple samples require a high level of focus to avoid messing up. The more mundane, the harder it can be!

And then there are the competing demands of writing-up and hands-on lab work.

What do you do while you wait for your gel to run? Turn your attention to a different job, check your messages, or start to write up your experiment? In other words, is a short distraction actually helpful or not?

So, is the war already lost, or can we take charge of our attention, especially when it matters most?

In this episode of The Happy Scientist, we explore these important questions.

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Pursuing a career in science often involves challenges and setbacks that are mentally demanding.

While we all grow and learn from these setbacks, the main experience at the time is pain.

But it's crucial to distinguish pain from suffering.

Pain might be an inevitable part of growth and learning, but suffering—deeper distress that's often a consequence of pervasive issues like burnout and imposter syndrome—is not necessary and should be quarantined.

In fact, we could argue that suffering is a barrier to growth because it's an avoidable burden on your mental energy. On the other hand, suffering can build resilience, which is an immense personal asset. So the relationship is not so simple.

In this episode, we think about how scientists can get through pain without succumbing to suffering and consider, if pain is taken to be granted, how much is actually helpful?

Watch or Listen to all episodes of The Happy Scientist podcast here: https://thehappyscientist.bitesizebio.com

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If you enjoyed this episode and want more practical tips on being a happy and successful scientist, we can help. Download The Happy Scientist Reference Pack today, and reignite your passion for science.

https://bitesizebio.com/the-happy-scientist-reference-pack/?ref=bsb-podcast

#81 — Periodically directing your gaze inward can clarify your current position, past journey, and future aspirations.

In this episode of The Happy Scientist, explore the vital practice of taking a self-inventory.

Hear how to conduct this introspection effectively—steering clear of overly positive illusions, harsh self-criticism, and potential disappointment.

Plus, get practical strategies for maintaining a balanced and honest self-assessment.

What you learn will ultimately foster personal growth and resilience in your scientific career and ensure continuous progress without overwhelming yourself.

Watch or Listen to all episodes of The Happy Scientist podcast here: https://thehappyscientist.bitesizebio.com

#Podcast #BitesizeBio #TheHappyScientist

If you enjoyed this episode and want more practical tips on being a happy and successful scientist, we can help. Download The Happy Scientist Reference Pack today, and reignite your passion for science.

https://bitesizebio.com/the-happy-scientist-reference-pack/?ref=bsb-podcast