I've just got a research postdoc after teaching roles - tips for focusing?

[SarahAndQuack]

I've been in teaching-heavy postdocs since I finished my PhD in 2014. My publication record is ok, but obviously a lot of my day-to-day experience is of writing lectures and classes and so on. On the whole I think teaching helps me get into a good headspace for writing, and the contact with people is good for me. Over the past 18 months I've had a toddler who's in nursery part time, and I finished my book while at home with her, which felt like a slog. So, I think I am used to working while doing lots of teaching/childcare, but I am a bit unsure what to do with what feels like a blank page sort of situation, just doing research. It's a two year post and I'm expected to attend weekly seminars, but that's really it. Obviously I'm keen to make links with people in the department and so on (toddler permitting).

What would your tips be for getting the best out of two years to research? What do your postdocs do badly/what do you regret? I think I've got into really bad research habits.

The big 'output' is intended to be a monograph under contract (not necessarily complete!), plus a couple of journal articles. I'm in History.

[Upzadaizy]

I should be writing but wanted to say

Congratulations!!!

Will come back later with tips

on a 1000 words a day schedule

[SarahAndQuack]

Oh, thank you!

I was enjoying the manuscript chat, btw, on the other thread.

Good luck with your word count!

[MedSchoolRat]

I like to plan.
Write down what outputs need to produce & plan how it will happen.
Plan means breaking down the process into steps required.
Could even come up with a GannT chart with potential timetable for each step.

My only 'trick' is to do quick & little things first; then I can fully concentrate properly on big chunks of work.

Lots & lots of planning.

[SarahAndQuack]

Oh, god, Gantt charts! I had to do one to apply for the fellowship funding and it nearly broke me.

But I guess the good thing is I do have a schedule all broken down. I have fallen into a really bad habit of getting late with things, though. My last book went to the publishers 18 months late. So I'm doubting my ability to plan accurately.