David Olawade, Senior Research and Innovation Project Facilitator at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Last Year, I wrote a number in my diary that honestly scared me a little: 70 published papers in 2025.
Not “submitted”. Not “in progress”. Published.
Some days, that goal felt ridiculous. On other days, it felt inevitable. But here’s what I’ve learnt:
it is better to set goals and fall short than to never set them at all. Because goals stretch your capacity, sharpen your focus, and force you to become the person who can carry the result.
Today, I’m grateful to say it: the 70-paper goal is achieved.
And these are a few highlights from the journey in 2025:
- I worked on 150+ research projects this year, with 70 published so far
- 10+ papers are still under review
- I wrote and submitted 4 book chapters, to be published in 2026 and 2027
- 2 successful grant applications as a co-investigator from 4 attempts
- My published work attracted 2,500+ citations (I broke my personal record after crossing 1,000 citations in a year)
- I collaborated with 60+ researchers
- I mentored 50+ aspiring researchers
- I served as guest editor for 3 special issues for reputable journals
- I spoke as an invited guest/presenter at 10+ reputable conferences
- I attended 20+ conferences
And yes, I gained more friends who celebrated my growth… and a few “enemies” who felt my ambition was too loud.
One of my most effective strategies was simple:
Daily goal-setting + at least two hours of reading every single day. Not when it was convenient. Not when I felt inspired. Daily.
Because results don’t respond to wishes. They respond to work. No excuse. No performance. No weakness on display. Just showing up.
Sometimes we settle because we don’t realise what is waiting on the other side of consistency. We choose comfort in the moment, and then wonder why momentum never comes. But anyone can do better if they commit to due diligence. Truly.
Now, 2026 will be different. I won’t replicate these milestones exactly. The focus is shifting towards mentorship and consultancy, building people, not just producing outputs. If you want to secure a spot early, you can.
And to every mentor, institution, colleague, and collaborator who contributed to my journey in 2025: thank you. You were part of this story.”
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