In the past 14 yrs of my research group, I have made a few policies for myself, which may be helpful to others:
1) Any group member is free to criticize my input with reason. This has been one of the most liberating experience. Importantly, it has helped me learn.
2) Physical and mental health of group members is of primary importance. Good health and good research is not a zero sum game.
3) Constancy of thought and work is vital. We overestimate work that can be done in short term and underestimate the long term. Constant effort, spread over months and years, can build intellectual and technical monuments.
4) Set internal standards. Let this standard be reasonable and focused towards oneself. The biggest stress in work comes from comparison with others. Instead, compare your past with present, & strive for a +ve difference. Be sceptical of external metrics.
5) Write regularly. Writing is not only about publication in a journal or a book. It is a way to reflect, learn, revise and communicate. Writing is the process. A publication is one of the outcomes, a temporary goal. Focus on the process, goals will follow.
6) Share your knowledge. If possible – TEACH. Teaching informally is very enjoyable. It is devoid of judgements. In the longer run, it is perhaps the most impactful thing you will do, and will be remembered for. Remember Feynman.
7) None of the above points matter if your work does not make you a better human being. Be compassionate to others. The biggest strength of scientific research, if done well is it elevates the individual & collective – both local & global.
8) Academia, in its good form, can feed your stomach, brain and heart. Nurturing and enabling all the three is the overarching goal of academics. And perhaps the goal of humanity.
Scatterings 