The art of SHOWING UP during your Ph.D.

If I had to select one skill that everyone needs to develop during their PhD/postdoc career, it is the ability to show up irrespective of how unmotivated they might feel about their research work. This skill helped me stay sane during my PhD, and I am still working on it during my postdoc, hoping to continue the same in other aspects of my life too. Here are the ways in which it helps:

1. Accountability of Your Time Invested in Research: During regular group meetings, it is crucial to lead engaging discussions on how you spent your time on research. Even if you end up finding ideas that do not work, it is still research. Remember, research is about 90% failure and 10% success; that's why you are awarded a degree for finding something novel.
2. It Keeps You Stress-Free: Most of the time, stress is the result of not taking action when things were in your control. On a feel-good day, you may read a paper in 2 hours, but on a bad day, you may take up to a day to read even half of it. Even if you spend 2 unfocused hours on it, you may still get some idea and pick it up next time. It is far better than not picking up the research paper at all just because you were not feeling it.
3. Gives a Sense of Progress: Success is not about doing something fancy overnight and reaping the rewards for the next 10 years. It has always been about doing the boring tasks consistently. By showing up every day, you build momentum and gradually make significant progress, which is the true essence of success in research.
4. Improves Self-Worth: Consistently working on your research, even when you don't feel like it, reinforces your self-worth. It shows that you are committed and dedicated to your goals, which boosts your confidence and self-esteem. When you see your persistent efforts leading to small wins, it validates your hard work and enhances your belief in your abilities.
5. Fosters Resilience: Continuously showing up despite challenges helps you develop resilience. Over time, you become more adept at handling setbacks and frustrations, making you a stronger and more capable researcher. Each time you overcome an obstacle, you build mental toughness and learn valuable lessons that prepare you for future challenges. This resilience not only benefits your research career but also other areas of your life where persistence is key

By showing up consistently, you not only advance your research but also grow as a resilient, confident, and dedicated professional, ready to embrace any challenge that comes your way. Stay tuned for similar posts!!!