How do you see the world?

Today, I would like you to consider how you view the world. Are you more like Murphy (left in the photo) happy and optimistic or are more of a cautious Mandy? It is important to understand that your personality affects everything in your life, from how you interact with other people to how you perceive progress on your writing.

Let me give you a few examples. An optimistic person receiving negative feedback may see it an opportunity to learn and as a challenge. On the other hand, a more pessimistic person may perceive the same feedback as evidence of their failure or as devastating news. Which sounds more like you?

While it can be difficult to change the way the world is perceived, you can at least be aware of the issue, and work to change your reactions. So my more negative readers, the next time you get a negative comment, remember everyone gets them and try to think of it as a challenge to improve your writing!

Don't be Boring!

As Mandy is demonstrating, try not to make your writing boring for your reader. What comes across as boring? Lists of facts without any integration. Repeating the same information is another problem area: resist the temptation of copying from one part of your paper to another.

Keep bringing your literature back to your study, discuss how your study will or will not address the issues you have identified. Use examples to illustrate points that may not be clear. Keep your reader interested in what you have to say!

One of many

One difficulty many authors have is accepting that although their paper is a major priority in their life, for the journal editor, they are just one of many authors. It is important to realize that the editor's time is divided among not only all of the authors, but also reviewers and other obligations and commitments.

My message today is to be patient with editors, give them a reasonable amount of time for having your paper reviewed, making decisions, answering emails, and questions. Use your waiting times productively by going on to other things. 

Tenacity

"Tenacity: the quality of holding fast; persistence" (dictionary.com). Completing an article is a long and difficult process; it will test you repeatedly. You will learn a great deal about yourself including your ability to handle delays and criticism, and whether you persist in the face of adversity. You will find yourself questioning your decision to do this frequently. However, remember that is those that persist that get published!