How to keep up motivation in research: focus on the big picture. #motivation #phd #phdlife

TL;DR

Stay motivated in science by breaking down big questions into smaller, manageable tasks and always keeping the bigger picture in mind.

Transcript

hi my name is mathias village and today i'll talk to you about how to stay motivated in science how to stay motivated in science you ask of course i'm motivated this is the most awesome thing in the world after all and that's true however either you have already experienced some dips in motivation or more likely than not you will experience them in... Read More

Key Insights

• 🍧 Motivation in science can fluctuate, but having an exciting and important question is crucial.
• 😃 Breaking down big questions into smaller tasks can make the work more manageable.
• 😃 Recognizing the connection between small tasks and the bigger question helps maintain motivation.
• 🥡 Finding an important question takes time and exploration.
• ⁉️ Remembering the societal relevance of the question can help stay motivated.
• 🥅 Repetitive and daunting tasks are part of the scientific process, but they contribute to the overall goal.
• ℹ️ Sharing scientific findings with others can be a source of motivation.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can I stay motivated in science when the tasks feel less interesting than the big question?

It's normal for smaller tasks to feel less exciting, but remember that they are essential steps towards answering the big question. Focus on how each small task contributes to the overall goal.

Q: How can I find an exciting and important question in science?

Finding an exciting and important question can be challenging. Look for questions that you are passionate about and that have relevance to society. It may take time and exploration to find the right question.

Q: What can I do to prevent being demotivated by repetitive and daunting tasks in science?

When faced with repetitive and daunting tasks, remind yourself how they are connected to the bigger question. Visualize the end goal and understand that each task is necessary for reaching it.

Q: How can I keep myself motivated to share my scientific findings with others?

Remember that an important question in science often has implications for society. Keep in mind the potential impact of your findings and the excitement of sharing them with others.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Motivation in science can waver, but it's important to have a big question that excites you.

• Breaking down that big question into smaller, actionable tasks can be daunting and less interesting.

• To stay motivated, remember that each small question is a step towards answering the bigger, exciting question.