We all deal with papers coming back from journals. I’ve commented on this in the past: https://lnkd.in/g5H3Auix
I was asked for tips on being more #resilient to news that isn’t as positive as I would like (a challenging #revision, anyone?) or more negative than expected (a third-round #reject?).
I have a set of activities that #shield me from getting down & help me #bounceback.
My first, and favorite, is I wait to open #Christmascards. When I receive a painful #rejection, I open one & am reminded of friends & that #academiclife isn’t all that matters.
Today, after processing a reject, I opened my last card from last #Christmas & seeing their warm wishes buoyed my spirits.
(I’m grateful to my friends in #Augsburg for the lovely card!)
Yes, this is culturally specific - but it works for me.
I’ve also done this with #LaiSee packets :)
My second, and trusted standby, is that I save TV shows to watch that I know that I will like. I particularly like watching shows with #subtitles.
When I need to turn my brain off, I find that being forced to put down the #secondscreen & being forced to pay attention relaxes my mind.
My third, and frequent strategy, is #ramen. Yes, I never grew up. I make a bowl of ramen with a good broth, #poachedegg, another protein, & greens. I lose myself in the process.
Bad ramen is easy to make. Good ramen takes focus.
Losing myself in a 30-year-old routine soothes my soul.
My fourth, and less often used tactic, is taking a drive. If the weather is good, I take a long drive & listen to #music. The drive forces me to disconnect from work & be in the moment.
That forced separation from email & the world gives me time to replenish my emotional stocks, which are necessary to think through the next steps.
I used to finish in the #mountains - these days - I try to find the #sea & reflect.
My final, and fun, approach is I have a playlist of #songs for #ReviewerTwo. Yes, I’m a homo sapien too! And other sundry fun songs.
The songs help me process emotion, remind me of good times, & let me vent a little.
My point is that everyone should equip themselves with tools that help them #cope with the inevitable disappointments & challenges that come with the paper review process.
The best strategies let me #disconnect, don’t force me to talk to others until my emotions are settled, & let me replenish my spirit & mind.
When that is done, I’m ready to #commiserate or plan the next steps.
I hope this helps!
P.S. What I don’t advise is a quick post to #socialmedia. Your reviewer two is likely a friend or follower on #Facebook, #Linkedin or elsewhere. Save the fussy post for when you’ve calmed down & carefully detach it from the email. It never pays to tick off an editor or reviewer with a thoughtless post. This I know from hard experience.
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