Trying New Things: Productivity, Motivation, and Arepas Con Queso

Dear Real Academics,

Not too long ago, a friend with great taste recommended we watch Disney's Encanto. (If you have not watched it, I do highly recommend it. The music, animation, colors, and story are fabulous).

The animation is set in Colombia, and the characters eat something called "arepas con queso". I know what "con queso" means (i.e., with cheese), but I had never heard of an "arepa." So, you can imagine my delight when I wandered into a bakery this weekend and saw they had arepas! 

Arepas are like thick tortilla/biscuits. If you are familiar with Mexican cuisine, they are kind of like gorditas, but not so greasy (or tasty! lol). The closest thing I can think of in terms of American cuisine is like little corn bread you can stuff with ingredients. Here is a picture of my arepa con queso and shredded beef.



My point in sharing this bit of new discovery is to share something you've probably heard before: It's good to try new things (given, of course, a positive context). 

For some, trying new things is second nature. Why not try something new? It's so fun! It's so exciting! For others, trying new things can be scary. What if I don't like it? What if I get hurt? Perhaps you can relate to either extreme I just mentioned, and perhaps your "risk tolerance" totally depends on what kind of new thing you are being asked to consider.

When it comes to productivity, trying something new can bring inspiration, motivation, and refreshment; and the risk factor need not be high.

Before the week ends, I challenge you to try something new in your research, writing, and/or productivity. Some ideas to get you started are as follows:

(1) Try a new productivity approach (e.g., use new planner and/or goal setting system. Some of my favorites are The Pomodoro Method and The Productivity Planner -- you can search for any of these online to learn more).

(2) Try a new writing approach (e.g., start writing your paper "en media res", or in the middle. If you are stuck/overwhelmed with the introduction or literature review of a paper, they why not start with the method?)

(3) Try a new routine approach (e.g., try working with instrumental music in the background or at a different time of the day or in a different location).

(4) Try learning something new (e.g., branch off your research interest to look at your topic from a new angle; learn a new research method; challenge yourself to publish in a new journal; advance your knowledge in a new area of work or outside of it).

What new thing can you try this week, dear Real Academic? As always, we'd love to hear any ideas you might have and how they went. Contact us anytime at inforealacademics@gmail.com.

If we can help you with any of your writing or research or productivity needs, don't be shy to reach out. Check out more about us at www.therealacademics.com.

Until next time (and definitely let us know if you run into arepas con queso and what you think of them!),

Maggie

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