Written by Chinna Orish, Ph.D,
September, 2023
The BRAIN is a fascinating organ of the body full of mystery and our brain is our life our future and career. Wisdom is the principal thing in life so being “BRAINWISE” means navigating your journey with wisdom, determination, and a commitment to excellence.
This acronym is a valuable approach for any woman striving for success in her chosen field. It represents a set of principles that encompasses both personal and professional growth for Women in Neuroscience who want to change the narrative.
Let’s examine the life-changing ‘BRAINWISE’ acronym;
Build a Support Network: Success is often a collaborative effort. Cultivating a supportive network of mentors, colleagues, and friends can provide guidance, inspiration, and valuable connections along the way. Live a life of legacy by investing in the life of young women who are hungry for Neuroscience. Don’t hesitate to start a local WIN support group to mentor the young minds.
Research Excellence: Excellence in your chosen field is a cornerstone for success. Dedicate yourself to continuous learning, honing your skills, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Always strive for excellence in your research vision, strive for excellence, preserve in excellence as it rewards with sparking success.
Advocate for Yourself: Don’t hesitate to stand up for your achievements and contributions. you must first understand your needs, desires, and boundaries. Reflect on what’s important to you.
Stay calm and respectful, even in challenging situations. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professionals when necessary. They can provide guidance and encouragement. Practice Self-Care and care of your physical and emotional well-being by eat[ng right to be right.
Always take a nap and do low to medium exercise. When you’re well-rested and emotionally balanced, you can advocate more effectively. Remember that advocating for yourself is a skill that can be developed and refined over time. It empowers you to take control of your life, make informed decisions, and work towards achieving your personal and professional goals.
Inspire Others: As you achieve success, inspire and uplift those around you. Your accomplishments can serve as a source of motivation for others, especially women who look up to you as a role model.
Be a lifter, source of hope, strength that mentee will lean on and soar higher.Endeavour to make their career journey sweeter, lighter, do one act of kindness and make the neuroscience a better career for folks to navigate.
Network Effectively: Building and nurturing professional relationships is crucial. Always surround yourself with people who can help you grow.”Opportunities do not float like clouds in the sky. They are attached to people. If you’re looking for an opportunity, you’re really looking for a person.” – Ben Casnocha.
Effective networking can open doors to opportunities and collaborations that contribute to your success.
Work-Life Balance: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for long-term success and well-being. Prioritize self-care and quality time with loved ones to recharge and stay motivated. Swallow the P nuggets of work life balance daily:Practice time management,Practice health living and Plan for vacation and recreation.
Invest in Continuous Learning: The pursuit of knowledge should be ongoing. Stay curious, seek out opportunities for learning, and embrace personal growth as a lifelong journey as a learner is a leader. Keep on learning to change the narrative as Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ” Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man” Francis Bacon
Stay Resilient: Resilience is the ability to adapt, overcome, and grow stronger in the face of adversity. It’s a powerful trait that can lead to personal and professional growth, improved well-being, and a greater sense of accomplishment.
Resilience in the face of challenges is a key attribute of successful individuals. Persevere through setbacks, learn from failures, and emerge stronger and more determined and you can unleash your potentials through resilience.
Embrace Diversity: Recognize the strength in diversity and inclusion. Diversity is essential for fostering creativity, improving decision-making, and building stronger, more inclusive communities and organizations. Embracing diversity leads to a more vibrant and dynamic world where different voices are heard, valued, and empowered to contribute to the betterment of society. Embrace different perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas, as they can lead to innovation and broader success.
Taken together, a “BRAINWISE” woman always navigates her journey with wisdom, determination, and a commitment to excellence. Always striving to achieve her goals and thrive in her chosen career in neuroscience.
