Working on a research project requires an ability to stay focused on the task at hand, whilst having sight of long-term goals. It can be easy to focus on what is yet to be done which can lead to doubting that the work will be be done which can result in a build up of anxiety. It is very common for PGRs to feel they are ‘stuck’ and are not making progress; this is often referred to as the second year blues. Losing motivation can occur at any stage of your research programme. There are a wide range of strategies and resources to support you through this. Consider some of the suggestions below and listen to one of our PGRs talk about what making progress means to them.
Follow this online interactive module on understanding and dealing with procrastination - Now or Never? Understanding the Procrastination Cycle
Many PGRs report the value of trying to carve out some dedicated time to write. You could:
Think about what a planned structure may mean for you, what works for one person will not necessarily work for someone else.
You could try the pomodoro technique .
Check the Hugh Kearns templates on thesis planning and doing the next thing.
Take time to think through what approaches will work for you and remember to build in breaks.
Note your progress and celebrate it by setting regular and planned times to sit down and mark your progress overall and recent progress. At the same time you should also identify the skills and knowledge that you have developed.