How to Stay Motivated During a PhD Journey

TL;DR

To stay motivated during a PhD, focus on intrinsic motivation and the importance of completing necessary tasks, even when progress feels slow. Sharing your research with both experts and non-experts can reignite passion and provide perspective. Remember, persistence is key, as the journey is challenging but essential for achieving your academic goals.

Transcript

hey it's Lucy I've been doing a PhD for three years now and I've not got much to show for it I've got dozens of Excel spreadsheets for all the experiments I've done I've got dozens of folders and subfolders for every form and application and grant I've ever had to send but regarding actual publishable research I mean I've got a paper manuscript wai... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Academic pursuits can be challenging and may not always yield immediate tangible rewards.
• 🖐️ Intrinsic motivation and a sense of duty play crucial roles in sustaining motivation during PhD studies.
• 👶 Sharing research with others, whether experts or non-experts, can provide new perspectives and reignite passion.
• 💦 The realization that tasks "have to be done" can be a powerful motivator to continue working towards PhD goals.
• 🆘 A shift in motivation from external rewards to personal accountability can help in navigating challenging phases of academic journeys.
• 😃 Finding ways to see the bigger picture and impact of one's research can bring renewed enthusiasm and motivation.
• 🍉 Persistence and dedication, even when tasks are mundane, are essential for long-term success in academia.

Questions & Answers

Q: What motivates Lucy to continue her PhD despite the lack of immediate rewards?

Lucy's motivation stems from the realization that the work "has to be done." She acknowledges the necessity of completing tasks for the sake of her thesis and eventual PhD.

Q: How does Lucy suggest finding motivation through sharing research with others?

Lucy finds sharing her research with non-experts and fellow academics helps her see the significance and broader impact of her work, thereby reigniting her passion and motivation.

Q: What keeps Lucy going on challenging days in her PhD journey?

The knowledge that not completing her tasks would render the past efforts meaningless serves as a powerful motivation for Lucy to persist, even when the work is tedious and uninspiring.

Q: How does Lucy view motivation as she progresses through her PhD journey?

Lucy describes motivation as evolving from a "carrot" to a "stick," indicating a shift from rewards to a sense of duty and personal accountability driving her forward.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Lucy reflects on three years of hard work with little tangible outcome in her PhD journey.

• She discusses the dwindling motivation, citing the lack of immediate rewards.

• To combat this, Lucy emphasizes the importance of finding intrinsic motivation to push through the challenging times.