The Myth of Being Behind: How to Shift Your Perspective and Stay on Track

Significant Impact: from K Award to Your First Big R01

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly behind in your career?

In this episode, I’m tackling the common but misguided belief that we’re not where we should be. So many of us feel like we’re behind, but that feeling is often based on unrealistic expectations or inaccurate comparisons. The truth? Being behind is just a story we tell ourselves, and it can lead us to make decisions that actually take us further away from our goals.

I break down the harmful actions that stem from this belief, like panicking, overcommitting to unrelated projects, or even avoiding the work that matters most. Together, we’ll explore how to challenge these thoughts, objectively assess where you really are, and stay focused on your own priorities.

Tune in to this episode to learn:

• Why the feeling of being behind is often based on unrealistic expectations

• How panicked actions—like taking on extra projects—can harm your career progress

• Practical strategies for reassessing your workload and aligning it with your long-term goals

• The importance of establishing clear priorities to avoid feeling lost or overwhelmed

If you’ve ever felt the weight of being behind, this episode will help you shift your mindset and regain control over your progress.