Keeping the ‘track’ in track record
This can often be the hard part, the temptation to divert your attention to another project because there is a funding source or it seems interesting can be very strong, and equally powerful can be the pressure to include others in your project as a sign of friendship or collegiality. It is very unlikely however that a scatter gun approach will be result in any sustainable success, and considerable time and energy can be invested in a grant application with little likelihood of reaping the rewards. Of course the odds of grant success remain relatively low even for proposals within one's area of expertise. However, remaining strategic means that the work invested in the application remains valuable despite the outcome. If the grant is not successful, the application can be further developed for other funding bodies or consideration given to a preliminary study to collect pilot data, which may enhance the likelihood of future grant success. Any feedback provided by the grant reviewers can be taken on board and the application can continually be improved with the aim of eventual success. Opportunistic applications tend to be one off and the opportunity for learning and development may be limited.