I went into my second proposal defense with a much more positive mindset——along with grander experiments in my proposal——and passed 5 months after my first attempt.I've also used the approach to change my focus during the day-to-day grind of benchwork.Now,instead of fixating on whether my experiments generate exciting data that others will compliment,I focus on thoroughly planning and meticulously executing my lab protocols.I also avoid comparing my research progress to that of my peers;their journey is theirs alone.