The academic journey of a Ph.D. student is quite long because they spend most of their time on studies, performing research and making dissertations. Their curriculum demands strenuous efforts and the proverb – “there is no rose without a thorn” holds true for the research students. A Ph.D. student has to prepare a research proposal, carry out a literature review, conduct research and analyse results to produce an original thesis. After the completion of the thesis, the research student has to submit the thesis to the experts for approval. Once the thesis is approved, a Ph.D. degree will be awarded to a doctoral student. As it is a lengthy process, doctoral students require motivation so that they can reach their goals and make their dreams come true.
Here are the 10 motivational tips for Ph.D. students
Success requires action: Without taking proper actions, it is almost impossible that opportunities come and knock your door. Clear your mind and take desirable actions to make your dream come true. If required, come out of your comfort zone to excel in your career and academics.
Positive thinking: Nothing is perfect in this world! Therefore, instead of chasing the wild goose of perfection, we must strive for progression. Enhance your skillsets, boost your confidence, and emerge as a winner by practising positive thinking to motivate yourself.
Eat the elephant one bite at a time: This is a simple one! Focus on your goals and complete the steps one by one. Do not take up more if your plate is already full. Instead, try to focus on one thing at a time. This will help you to complete the tasks gradually without much struggle.
Enjoy climbing the mountain: Never ever give up! Try to push your limits and walk the extra mile if you want to be successful. If you are desperate, read this quote of Tadashi Yanai, the founder of Uniqlo that will help you to see light at the end of the tunnel: “I’m never really satisfied with anything because the world is ever-changing. If you keep climbing up, then you see another higher mountain. You climb up that peak and see another. I will pass away eventually because that is life. But I am climbing mountains because I enjoy the process of climbing a mountain.” Likewise, enjoy your research studies and climb up the ladder of success.
Believe in Yourself: Never stop believing in yourself. Self-belief is the greatest tool to complete your Ph.D. Tell yourself that you can do it and work on those terms. Challenge yourself at every step and find ways to overcome them.
Take Care of Your Diet: Eat healthy food that sharpens your memory and helps you to stay fit. A plant cannot grow properly if it lacks sunshine, water, and other nutrients. In this case, you are the plant that needs to flourish even in harsh circumstances.
Sleep Well: Sound sleep is the key to achieve success in your studies. Often, we think and feel that we can compromise on sleep but deprivation of sleep affect the overall wellbeing of an individual. Sleep helps you to rejuvenate as it releases hormones that calm you down and helps to improve productivity.
Organise Yourself: The best way to organise yourself is to learn time management. If you are proficient in this one, then triumph will come to you. Set realistic goals and maintain a to-do list to keep you organised. Once you become organised, you will see positive changes in your life and education.
Find support: When you are running low on energy, talk with your family members and friends. Share your problems with them because chances are quite high that they may come up with solutions. Open up with your faculty members and ask them alternatives to reach your goals.
Change Your Perspective: Changing your perspective will help you in several ways. You have to be open to suggestions and see things in a different way. If you are thinking of quitting, remember why you started to pursue a Ph.D. in the first place. If you find yourself in an occupational burnout, try to think that the glass is half-full instead of half-empty. Positivity is the key to every solution.
Keep all the aforementioned points in your mind and you will find that you are climbing the ladder of success.
