How do you manage the challenge of being involved in multiple research projects simultaneously?

I was advised to divide my week into chunks based on the percentage of research time allocated to each project. However, this approach doesn’t work for me for several reasons. First, I would never reach the level of deep focus needed to fully engage with the problem. Second, frequent context switching would consume a significant amount of time, making the process far less efficient.

As a result, I tend to work with intense focus, sometimes day and night, on a single problem. This can continue for weeks or even months. The main advantage is that significant progress is often made during this phase. However, very little happens on other projects, which can be frustrating if project leaders expect frequent updates. When I eventually switch to another project, I face the challenge of painful context switching. The upside, though, is that I return to the original problem with fresh eyes, and new ideas tend to emerge more easily after a break.

However, there are also shorter periods when I don’t engage in any research. During these times, I might teach, attend meetings, or handle administrative tasks. In these phases, I typically work fewer than eight hours a day, compensating for the longer 8+ hour days I usually dedicate to research. This low-intensity period helps refresh my mind, giving me time to chat with colleagues and read papers, both of which are sources of new ideas.

When it’s time to write papers, the focus naturally shifts entirely to that specific research. Interestingly, new ideas often emerge during this phase, as explaining your work to yourself frequently uncovers gaps or areas for improvement.

The Role of Project Leaders in Enhancing Productivity

Project leaders play a crucial role in balancing the demands of multiple research projects. Their expectations for regular updates and progress reports can add pressure, especially when shifting focus between projects. While their oversight ensures accountability, it’s important for them to understand the challenges of deep focus and context switching. Supportive project leaders can facilitate more effective research by providing flexibility and acknowledging the time required to delve deeply into each project.