10 Things to Try at Least Once in Your PhD

TL;DR

• After finishing her PhD, Lucy shares 10 essential experiences, including early mornings, challenging oneself, and learning to say no.

Transcript

hey it's lucy i have finished my phd i mostly loved my phd i'm out in the real world on the other side of my phd and sometimes i really miss my phd and sometimes i think how lucky i was during my phd and sometimes i think how you do the coolest things during your phd and you don't even realize looking back on my years in oxford and i don't know whe... Read More

Key Insights

• 🍗 Trying early mornings can boost productivity and provide balance.
• 🥺 Pushing oneself in challenging areas can lead to personal growth and accomplishment.
• 🏆 Applying for awards and testing new research ideas can yield unexpected successes.
• ⛔ Biting off more than one can chew once can help understand limits and avoid burnout.
• ❓ Learning to say no to overwhelming responsibilities is essential for maintaining well-being.
• 😷 Asking for help when needed is a crucial skill for overcoming obstacles.
• ❓ Removing oneself from unfixable situations is sometimes necessary for personal well-being.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the first suggestion Lucy gives for those pursuing a PhD?

Lucy recommends trying to get up at 5:30 am for a week to experience undistracted time and develop a serious hobby.

Q: Why does Lucy emphasize pushing oneself in areas of discomfort during a PhD?

Lucy believes that tackling challenging subjects, like thermodynamics, helps build confidence and overcome fears of failure.

Q: How does Lucy suggest handling overwhelming responsibilities during a PhD?

Lucy advises setting limits and learning to say no to supervisors or departments to prevent burnout and maintain focus on essential tasks.

Q: Why does Lucy stress the importance of backing up data during a PhD?

Lucy highlights the critical need to protect valuable research by backing up data across multiple platforms to prevent loss.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Lucy reflects on her PhD journey, expressing both missing and enjoying it.

• She advises trying early mornings for productivity and balance.

• Encourages pushing oneself, applying for awards, trying new ideas, and learning to say no.