Once again,my experiment had refused to work. I felt hopeless. A few months earlier,when I started the project, I was confident. I believed I could make it if I worked hard enough. So I spent over 10 hours in the lab every day. When the experiment failed,I simply worked harder.Yet here I was,working harder than ever-but not getting anywhere. I didn't know what to do.
It was late in the evening. One other person was still in the lab,and he noticed my worried look.He came over and asked how I was doing. I told him about my problems. After we talked through the experiment, he said,＂I think it's time to go home and get some sleep. ""Taking a break is also hard work, you know. "he added with a smile.
Those words opened my eyes. I no longer overworked myself in the lab. I felt less stressed(有压力的）and my research started to progress(进展).
A few years later, my professor and I were discussing an age-old problem at a cafe. As he finished his coffee, he said, "We need to work smarter,not harder. " I felt kind of surprised. I had never heard my professor say anything like this.
Our conversation that day helps me understand that exciting ideas seldom come from a mind under pressure. My best ideas always come after I have allowed my mind to relax-whether that's cooking a nice dinner or going on long hikes with my brother.
Today, I try to pass this idea on to my own students. ▲ .
