Here's how you can cultivate a flexible mindset to excel in a research-driven industry.

As a long-time academic administrator, I have observed that one of the greatest impediments to cultivating a positive mindset among research-oriented staff is the institution itself. Particularly in academia, corporate universities often prioritize market pressures over the well-being of academic staff. While in the short run, adhering to the norms and traditions of competitive market dynamics might seem logical, we must recognize that not everything can be effectively managed in a corporate fashion in the long run. Similar issues of the non-applicability of corporatization are also seen in the healthcare and law enforcement sectors.

I once read in a book by renowned scientist and researcher that research is one area where change is very constant. What is true today may not be true the next day because better tools may have been developed - which is what makes it research. It is impossible to be successful as a researcher without embracing change positively. Embracing change will let you get familiar with new technology and skills which will enable the successful completion of the said project.

Change is the only constant. Everything is subject to change. You will change, others will change, society will change, the work and working style will change. Technology will change, understanding will change, the way people approach to change will also change. So, if change is the only constant then why to resist it and why not to embrace it?

- Learn to stay in a quiet area - Learn to stay quiet within - Avoid emotional turbulence - Have openness in your mindset - Have a series of ways to address any research problem -

Very important aspect in all areas of life is Mindset.. whether we are willing to change ,Innovate or grow or not all depends on our internal mental system which we call as Mindset. The Thought we generate each day has complete control over our lives which includes every aspects- career, health relationship, finance success spiritual growth .Until we understand our MIND its like groping in the dark because then we are only living the life of others and fulfilling the choices of others without knowing what we really want in our own journey of life. This I learnt after so many years on the path of Self Discovery through various Essoteric Schools of Knowledge like Pranic Healing, Arhatic Yoga, Kriya Yoga &Schools of Design Thinking.

To start with 1. Start reading or start listening to the recent trends in your areas of interest. 2. Talk to strangers, this gives a different perspective and new dimensions to your curiosity and knowledge. 3. Jot down your ideas. It may happen that you click a brilliant idea, but soon forget it. So write it down as soon as it pops up.

Cultivate a sense of curiosity by consistently asking questions and seeking to understand the "why" behind phenomena. A curious mindset drives deeper exploration and can lead to novel insights and discoveries.

Learning is not always by formal means of education. It can even take the forms of participating in dialogs, communucating with the young minds, listening to the experienced persons. Sharing your ideas and knowing those of others. Only the quest for knowledge should be the prime motive and not certifications or grades. Ofcourse they add value, but, so does knowledge.

Commit to lifelong learning by staying updated with the latest research, attending workshops, and pursuing further education. This proactive approach ensures that your skills and knowledge remain relevant and cutting-edge.

Engage with colleagues from diverse fields and backgrounds to gain different perspectives and ideas. Collaboration fosters creativity and can lead to more comprehensive and impactful research outcomes.

Reflecting requires 1. Embracing the act and becoming accountable for it. 2. Comparing your goals and acts and doing a self appraisal. 3. Accepting the appraisals of others in a constructive manner and learning from them. 4. Matching self and others appraisals and improving oneself. Afterall, that's what reflections are all about.

Take time to reflect on your work and experiences. Regular self-assessment helps identify areas for improvement, reinforces successful strategies, and fosters a mindset geared towards continual development.

Be willing to take calculated risks and experiment with unconventional approaches. Embracing uncertainty and potential failure can lead to significant breakthroughs and advancements in your research endeavors.

To cultivate a flexible mindset in a research-driven industry, start a "Failure Friday" initiative. Each week, team members share one experiment or idea that didn't go as planned, discussing what they learned from the experience. This practice normalizes setbacks, encourages risk-taking, and fosters a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. By openly embracing and analyzing failures, you can develop resilience and innovative problem-solving skills, essential for thriving in a dynamic research environment.