Beating problems common to postgraduate researchers

Although all doctoral projects and postgraduate researchers (PGRs) are different, there are some problems that many will face. Thinking positively is usually the first step to achieving your goals and it might help to know that many researchers have faced and overcome difficulties such as the following:

Lack of motivation

A doctorate is a long project so you can expect your motivation to dip and peak along the way. When you are lacking in motivation try to keep working. Set yourself some short-term tasks so that you can start to make clear and observable progress again.  Try and identify what motivates you and make sure that you give yourself regular rewards.

See the section on planning your research project for further advice.

Lack of self confidence

A doctorate is a very personal experience and can be highly exposing. Be aware of your level of self-confidence and self-belief. If it drops it probably says more about your state of mind than it does about your academic abilities. Boost your confidence by:

• seeking positive feedback
• stretching yourself by trying out new things
• reminding yourself what you are good at (for example by completing an online skills assessment).

If you find that your lack of confidence is seriously hampering your ability to function then seek advice and professional help.

Poor time management

This web site contains lots of advice on time management.  Try and spend time planning, make sure you are devoting an appropriate amount of time to the tasks you are undertaking and then review how things are going. If you are not achieving your goals think about why and make a change.

Lack of focus or direction

If you feel that your research is drifting, devote some time to refocusing your main objectives.

• discuss with your supervisor where you think the project is going
• rewrite your research proposal to help you to articulate what the project is supposed to be about
• rework your project plan to try and give you a clearer idea about what to do next and how it fits into the big picture
• take a short break as you may just be bogged down with detail.

Limited support

For some people a doctorate can be lonely and isolating. Try to take opportunities to build up your support network.

• list your key contacts Think about other key relationships. Are you using all of these contacts enough?
• is there anyone you should have spoken to but haven't got round to it?
• some departments offer a mentoring scheme. Even if yours doesn't you can still ask a more senior researcher whether they would be willing to give you some help and advice
• try and work in teams where you can
• improve your relationship with your supervisor.

Stuck in your comfort zone

Beware of only doing things that you are comfortable doing and know you are fully capable of doing. This is known as your comfort zone and tends to be highly limiting. Try continually to stretch yourself to ensure that you keep learning. Try volunteering for something that you don't see as one of your strengths.

Fear of failure/taking risks

You can learn more from your failures than successes: they are often catalysts for positive change in the medium/long term. Don't take it personally. Remember that you are TRAINING to be a researcher. Understand what is expected of you and know where you can find support.

Lack of relevant experience

Identify where your gaps are. Creatively explore all options and seize opportunities - Maximise your impact as a postgraduate researcher. Apply your skills in different contexts.

With acknowledgement to The Art of Building Windmills, Dr Peter Hawkins, 1999, ISBN 0953598004, gieu@mail.cybase.co.uk