Applied research is a craft. The concept of conducting research is easy to grasp but it is far more difficult than most anticipate. Applying it with rigor to produce high-quality, actionable results is a complex challenge that can take years to perfect.

I often make the analogy that learning to conduct thorough research is like learning a new language or how to play a new instrument—it takes continuous effort and immersion. Just as it might take months to become conversational in a new language, becoming proficient in research involves constantly adopting a growth mindset.

Every study, whether it is your second or your tenth, offers new learning opportunities across all stages, from planning and stakeholder collaboration to methodologies and reporting.

The journey to proficiency is intensive. It demands engagement in numerous studies, facing various challenges such as difficult stakeholder interactions, diverse recruiting situations, and varying question types under constraints like tight budgets and timelines. Hands-on practice over time is irreplaceable.

Regardless of your background—academic or industrial—every researcher has unique gaps to fill. Academics frequently need to adapt to business goals and corporate communication styles, while industry professionals commonly need to enhance their research rigor and learn to mitigate bias effectively.

Having spent 12 years refining my skills alongside some of the top practitioners and brands globally, and teaching thousands worldwide through Ask Like A Pro, at several academic institutions, and in corporate workshops, I continue to find immense joy and fulfillment in this profession. Research isn’t just about fast results but a rewarding, ongoing journey of growth and discovery.

Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just starting, remember that persistence is key. Embrace the journey, continue learning, identify your gaps, and apply your own insights about how to become a better practitioner- repeatedly.

Your potential is limitless, and with dedication, you can thrive in this incredibly fulfilling (yet difficult) field of research.

Think of research as a journey, not a sprint. Think “turtle” not “hare”. And keep at it.

Along the way, I hope you find as much joy, reward, and growth as I have found.

I do what I do because it allows me to help others and “fill my Curiosity Tank.”