1. Protected time for your research goals 

Do you struggle to find time for research? Me too. Do you try to block out time in your diary/calendar and end up cancelling due to more pressing priorities? Yep, me too. But when we diarize time with others, we are more likely to respect and uphold that time. Our monthly dates are set in advance, so you can protect the time. Keep an eye on our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ep-research-club-and-group-coaching-tickets-362400007177

2. Pursue your own interests 

We are different to traditional study groups, when everyone reads the same paper. In EP Research Club, you can bring your own reading, writing and any research-based tasks. It’s super open-ended, which means you can pursue your own interests and goals. The second half of each session is dedicated for individual study time. 

3. Access coaching for that extra boost 

Each meeting begins with group coaching (facilitated by me) to help you get specific about your goals and intentions, celebrate your progress, and overcome any blocks and barriers. Find out more about coaching in my blog: ‘What is Coaching? And how it is different to supervision?’ 

4. Group support 

We are an open, welcoming and flexible club, so you can dip in and out of sessions to suit your schedule. Each meeting has a different mix of EPs, and I facilitate the session to harness the combined energy and wisdom of the group. I warmly invite EPs to chip in to share ideas and support each other. EPs have commented that it’s nice to hear when others have shared thoughts, feelings and experiences. 

5. Safe space 

Spaces are limited in each meeting (usually around 5-6 of us), so we have a small and friendly group. We always (re-)agree ground rules at the start, so we all know where we stand with confidentiality, respect and emotional safety. I’m big on modelling openness and vulnerability, and I’m working on modelling more pride in my successes. EP feedback indicates that I successfully create a safe space - and I’m proud of that! 😉

6. Get ‘In Flow’ 

EP Research Club provides conditions that help to induce ‘flow’ states (Csikszentmihalyi, 2002). This month, I got so ‘in flow’ that it was a good job I set my alarm to bring the group back together! In EP Research Club, we achieve flow states by: stating specific intentions for the hour (clear and achievable goals), losing self-consciousness by turning our cameras and mics off, having complete control over what we choose to do, and getting immediate feedback when we share our progress together at the end. 

7. Inspiration and energy uplift 

I always feel so inspired and energized after EP Research Club. EPs have reflected that they’ve arrived at the start feeling tired and then left at the end feeling motivated and enthused. It’s so great connecting with like-minded, interesting EPs. 

8. Connection and community 

I love it when EPs in the group share ideas, resources and sometimes even swap details to connect outside the group. It’s a great chance to broaden your EP connections within our EP community. 

9. Accountability 

You generate accountability to turn up when you book a session, and the group will supportively hold you accountable during the session and in-between sessions. Last month, I found myself a bit distracted during independent study time, but remembering that I would need to feedback at the end of the session quickly prompted me to get on with starting to read the paper that I said I would! 

10. Productivity 

One EP, Louise, recently reflected, “I feel like I’ve achieved more in two hours than I have in two months.” Nuff said. 

Check dates and book your (free) place here

Get in touch 😊

References 

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2002). Flow: The Psychology of Happiness. London: The Random House Group