I feel like all I have done so far in this countdown to my thesis defense is to complain and cry. And for those who actually read my blog, I'm sorry about that. But it's been rough for your girl in the lab. I have gotten stuck into the mentality that just because I followed a protocol, it is guaranteed to work each time. But not everything happens on the first, second, or even seventh attempt!
Sometimes research is similar to a Pinterest fail: you see something you like, you try it out, and at the end of the day it looks nothing like the pin you saw! So what do you do with it? Try again? Throw it away? Or do you try to make the best out of what you have?
There could be something you are doing wrong, and aren't aware of. So whenever possible, ask your colleagues for help, and get into the habit of talking out your issues with someone and troubleshooting new ideas. It may lead to the answer you're looking for, and in my opinion, it's the best way to get a clearer understanding of the experiment you're performing.
So that's what I did. And although I haven't been able to successfully execute this very important experiment, I'm glad that I am able to talk through my issues and plan accordingly. I would have never developed those kinds of skills if every experiment I did was successful. It is easy to forget that our failures actually strengthen us. They allow you to display true grit and provide you with the aptitude to succeed. Therefore, do not be afraid of failure, instead, I encourage you to embrace it. You never know how much stronger your failures will make you.
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