Dr. Crystal K. Waters

Twenty-twenty has arrived and is well underway! Honestly, I rarely make a list of resolutions for the new year. Each year, I set a few over-arching goals that I believe will aid in personal elevation toward an improved version of self. In 2019, I was blessed with tremendous opportunities. I reached the next major milestones in my academic career. And most importantly, I learned more about the woman I am become every single day.

Year 2020 is anticipated to be full of adventure. I’m sure success, health goals, and self-discovery will also be a key component to the new year. I expect great things because a positive mindset is all required to fulfill the goals I have set for myself.

Towards the end of 2018, I felt that I had started losing balance between work and rest.

I earned my doctoral candidacy in 2018; nevertheless, I needed a new plan to finish my degree with minimal burn out. Towards the end of 2018, I felt that I had started losing balance between work and rest. I’ve been in school for a while, folks. Sometimes I get tired and the work can be never-ending these days as I navigate towards the finish line.

In 2019, I decided that I needed to take time for myself and do something that was enjoyable. I spent a lot of time working on a passion project – fully rediscovering my love of reading – by starting The Leisure Library. My mom and I read so many books together and it was so much fun! I participated with a few college friends in a virtual book club. We had the best time chatting about books, careers, life, and everything in between.

Related Post: Why I created an online book community

As most of you know I also started a #bookstagram and met so many other readers around the globe.  I felt so fulfilled by taking time out after a long day of work to just read for leisure.  It was a great method to rest and relax, while also reaping the advantages of an increased reading speed.

Academically, 2019 was a very productive year.  I have published 2 textbook chapters and one co-authored peer-review journal publication.  I presented my research at the University of Virginia for an Energy Conversion Conference this past summer.  More recently, I presented my work in Atlanta at the National Electrochemical Society Conference.  While in Atlanta, I was able to take a short break with colleagues and visit to the World of Coca-Cola.  It was really the only time we didn’t sit in lectures and network with field professionals and Nobelaureates.  

In 2019, I had the privilege of eating lunch with the 2019 Chemistry Nobel Prize winner Dr. Stan Whittingham.  At that moment, I truly felt as though my dreams and goals were being obtained and I’m headed towards making a name for myself as a battery researcher.  I’m getting there y’all!

Conclusions & Takeaways

Every day is likely not going to be sunshine and clear blue skies; nevertheless, one must try to remember that “this too shall pass”. Nothing lasts forever. Tomorrow will be a new day with new, fresh opportunities. I tend to try to maximize each day and go for gold! If I do not meet a goal today, I try a bit harder tomorrow and, in some cases, switch up the approach.

A positive mindset is all you really need to ensure that you are better today than yesterday. You can only compare yourself to the version of you that existed yesterday – not anyone else. That is all I ask of myself daily – constant improvement.

I pray that your year is full of endless joy and success for all!

Until next time…