This could be a tough funding year for all of us

Last week, NIH released a notice explaining its operation plan in the event of sequestration.  The brief memo explains that, in the event of a sequestration, funding will be significantly cut.  However, even if the sequestration does not happen, we are looking at cuts in funding across the board.  Does this mean you should give up on your plan to become a successful, federally-funded researcher?  Should you practice saying "do you want fries with that?"  No, if anything, you should try even harder.  Funding is about to get even more competitive than it has become in recent years, but if you are putting together an exemplary proposal with great potential for significance and innovation, you should have no reason to despair.