5 Crucial Things to Know Before Starting Your PhD Journey 📚🎓
I wish somebody had had a serious and, most importantly, encouraging talk with me before I decided to embark on the PhD journey. Embarking on a PhD journey is like setting sail into uncharted waters. The excitement of contributing new knowledge to your field is exhilarating, but the voyage is also filled with challenges that you might not fully anticipate. As I reflect on my own experience, here are five things I wish I had known before starting my PhD journey. These insights could help you navigate your path more smoothly.
1. Make sure your topic is going to be relevant in next 5 to 10 years✅
You never know how long your PhD journey is going to last, if everything goes smoothly, it can be 2.5 to 3 years, but if things get little bit tricky (which can easily be the scenario), it can be up to 8 years. This is why it is very important, like in the chest, to think about your next move in advance, when choosing a topic. Sometimes we are passionate about some topic, but it doesn’t mean it is a good choice for the PhD. A forward-looking topic not only keeps your work significant but also enhances your career (either in the industry or in academia) prospects by aligning with future needs and opportunities on the market. Aim for a topic that will be relevant for a longer period in your discipline.
2. Master the challenges of procrastination
It is okay sometimes to feel down and feel like you can not move forward, no matter how you try and then you keep on procrastinating. And it goes on and on. First by recognizing it, then reflecting on the triggers and the reasons for procrastination like for example: sign of underlying or fear of failure or perfectionism. When you have recognized it and found the reasons, then you can use small tricks to fight it, like breaking the tasks into smaller ones, setting clear goals, eliminating distractions, focusing on progress rather than on perfection and start to reward yourself for every finished task, does not matter, big or small.
5. Make sure to take care of your mind, body and soul🧘♀️
If you do not, you are going to get born out and the path is only going to be harder. During my journey, physical activity saved my body because it is a powerful stress reliever and energy booster. Also, listen to your body, because chronic fatigue, frequent illness, or persistent aches and pains can be signs that you need to rest, adjust your diet, or seek medical advice. Practice mindfulness and meditation because they are effective tools for managing stress and enhancing concentration. Even a few minutes of daily meditation can help clear your mind, reduce anxiety, and improve your ability to focus. If you have a spiritual or religious practice, make time for it. Prayer, meditation, attending services, or simply spending time in nature can provide solace and perspective, helping you maintain balance and peace. And, at the end, practice gratitude because there is always something to be thankful about.
Concluding
In the end I would like to say that the PhD journey is as rewarding as it is challenging. If I had known these five things before starting, I might have navigated the ups and downs with more confidence and less stress. For those embarking on this journey, take these insights to heart, and remember that while the path is difficult, the destination can be incredibly fulfilling. Good luck!
By Dr. Iva BuljubasiC 🎓
