<aside> 📌

Welcome

• Consider what type of quarterly planning approach resonates with you:
  • Goal-focused (setting specific objectives and milestones)
  • Theme-based (selecting a guiding theme or intention for the quarter)
  • Project-oriented (organising around key projects or deliverables)
  • Reflective (prioritising learning and growth from experiences)
• The Research Accelerator Quarterly Quest structure combines elements from several approaches and includes timed sections for different activities:
  • Reflect on the past quarter
  • Plan for the quarter ahead with ONE main focus
  • Integrate wellbeing into your planning
• Remember that planning is personal – feel free to adapt this structure to suit your preferences and working style. </aside>

Step #1: Reflection on the past quarter (20-30 min)

🎯 Aim: Review your research progress, challenges, and learnings from the past three months.

1. Research accomplishments:
   • What research milestones or tasks did you complete this quarter?
   • Which aspects of your work are you most satisfied with or proud of?
   • What unexpected positive developments occurred in your research?
2. Challenges and adaptations:
   • What obstacles or setbacks did you encounter in your research?
   • How did you respond to these challenges?
   • What strategies were effective (or ineffective) in overcoming them?
3. Learning and growth:
   • What new skills, knowledge, or insights did you gain this quarter?
   • How has your understanding of your research area evolved?
   • What feedback or input from others proved most valuable?
4. Reflection on work patterns:
   • When were you most productive and focused this quarter?
   • What environments or conditions helped your research flow?
   • Which work habits served you well or hindered your progress?
5. If you set research goals or intentions for the last quarter:
   • What progress did you make toward them?
   • Which areas need more attention moving forward?
   • Did your goals need to shift or evolve? If so, how and why?

Step #2: Planning the quarter ahead (30-40 min)

🎯 Aim: Set clear, achievable research intentions with one main focus to guide your work this quarter.

1. Identify your ONE main research quest for the quarter:
   • What single research goal or milestone, if accomplished, would make the biggest difference?
   • Which aspect of your research most needs your focused attention?
   • What would represent meaningful progress in your research journey?
2. Map out key research milestones:
   • What specific steps or tasks will lead to your main quest completion?
   • Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable components
   • Consider sequencing – which tasks depend on others being completed first?
3. Schedule around fixed commitments and deadlines:
   • Note important dates (conferences, submissions, meetings with supervisors)
   • Identify any academic calendar events (term breaks, holidays) that will affect your schedule
   • Consider when you'll need input from others (feedback, reviews, collaborations)
4. Resource planning:
   • What tools, resources, or access will you need for this quarter's work?
   • Who might you need to connect with to support your progress?
   • What skills might you need to develop to accomplish your goals?
   • What courses or videos in the Research Accelerator library might be helpful to watch?
5. Potential challenges and contingencies:
   • What might realistically derail your plans this quarter?
   • How could you proactively address these potential obstacles?
   • What's your backup plan if things don't go as expected?
6. Time allocation and rhythms:
   • How will you protect time for your main research quest?
   • What weekly or monthly check-in points will help you stay on track?
   • Consider your energy patterns – when will you schedule deep work vs. administrative tasks?

💡 Remember: It's better to accomplish one significant research goal completely than to make minimal progress on multiple fronts. Focus creates momentum.

Step #3: Wellbeing Integration (15-20 min)

🎯 Aim: Incorporate regular self-care and wellbeing practices into your quarterly research plan to maintain energy, focus, and balance.

1. Energy management:
   • When during your week will you schedule time to recharge?
   • What specific activities help you restore your mental energy?
   • How will you monitor your energy levels throughout the quarter?