Research is difficult. If it were very easy then everyone would do it. All of us run into hurdles over the course of our research degrees, and I would say that we learn as much about our resilience and ourselves during this process as we do about the area we are studying! I believe one of the most valuable things to learn when we’re struggling in our research degree is to know we’re not alone, so here are a couple of tips that I find useful when overcoming problems in research.
Firstly, it’s worth bearing in mind whether the frustration or barrier is work-related, personal or physical. It’s surprising how often one aspect of your life can affect another, so it’s important to learn, be self-aware and start to taking steps to help your wellbeing, which will then most likely have positive impacts on your research. Obviously, there are many things you can struggle with personally over the course of your degree. However, I do think that there are some barriers that are more common than others that I’ll address here.
Positive thought is usually the first step to achieving your goals. We must know that most of researchers have faced hurdles and overcome these hurdles by focusing on the following:
1. Choosing the Right Topic
It is very risky to pick a topic of research randomly. Your research topic is the foundation on which everything else rests, so it’s crucial to choose carefully. You can’t do anything else until you figure out the basic focus of your topic. Always pick a topic of your liking.
2. Lack of motivation Topic
A doctorate degree is a time consuming process so your motivation level will dip and peak along the way. Set yourself with some short-term tasks when lacking motivation so that you can start to make stride again. Identify what encourages you and give yourself regular motivation. It is easier to motivate yourself if you know where you are headed, so plan your research project accordingly and focus on the milestones to be achieved.
3. Lack of self-confidence
Doing a doctorate can be daunting. Be aware of your level of self-belief and self-confidence. If it drops, try to boost your confidence by:
- Seeking positive feedback
- Acknowledging your achievements so far
- Taking stock of your competencies
- Broadening your horizon by trying out new things.
If your lack of confidence is seriously affecting your ability to function then seek advice and professional help.
4. Poor time management
Time management is most important part of your life. Try and plan your time to spend on your research work, make sure you displace an appropriate amount of time to the tasks you are undertaking in research and then review how things are going in research work. If you are not achieving your goals, think ‘why’ and make a change.
5. Lack of focus or direction
If you feel that your research is stuck, refocus on your main objectives.
- Discuss with your supervisor/guide where you think the project is not making any headway
- Rewrite your research proposal to help you clear what the project is supposed to be about
- Rework on your research plan to try and give you a clearer idea about what to do next and how it fits into your goal
- Take a short break to achieve your goal.
6. Limited support from colleague
Doing a doctorate can be lonely and isolating. Try to take the chance to build up your support network. Are you using all of your key contacts enough during your research?
- Find out if your department offers an expertise in your research work. If it does not, you can ask a more senior researcher of your field whether they would be willing to give you some help and advice.
- Try and work in groups if possible.
- Refine your relationship with your supervisor and colleague.
7. Stuck in your comfort zone
Beware of only doing things that you enjoy doing and know you are fully capable of doing. This is known as your comfort zone and tends to be highly limiting. Try to ensure that you keep learning, for example by volunteering for something that you don’t see as one of your strengths.
8. Lack of relevant experience
Try to find some work experience to broaden your competencies.
