If you are demotivated about doing research, this article is for you
… trying to climb the mountain again!
While doing research, one could likely experience a roller coaster in his/her progress, motivation, and confidence. It is not always the “ I have the best idea” phase or “ I am truly fulfilled with what I am doing” phase. It is inevitable that one could go along the “This is harder than I thought” phase or even the “ I cannot really do it “ phase. It is not always rainbows and butterflies. Along the research process, one might reach dead ends, experience mind blockage, or get demotivated, and that is completely normal.
You can take courses about research methods, and research tools. However, you will be lucky if you stumble upon someone in your way that can teach you how to keep your sanity during research, and how to deal with the ups and downs of the process.
I am writing this article in a state where I am experiencing a dull phase and trying to climb up the mountain again.
This article is for anyone who might feel discouraged along with his/her research phase. Below are some tips that I personally follow when I need to move to better places.
1- Plan your Research Path.
Starting with the most common question in job interviews: Where do you see yourself after five years from now?
Yes, in research too, you have to think about that. You need to set your long-term goal and to picture the position you want to be in five years from now and plan each step that will help you reach this goal.
A research plan is where everything fits together. You could be working on several aspects, but in the end, you should have an eye on how they will all benefit your bigger goal. Write down this goal boldly in a place you can frequently see, remind yourself of it and develop it as you go.
2- Consistency is the key
“If we make consistent effort, based on proper education, we can change the world.” Dalai Lama
A small consistent effort is way more effective than a big interrupted one. Small consistent steps will produce far more than you think. This could be done by fitting your work into your daily routine or finding an hour or two each day to work on your research. This will also keep your mind with your research issue. When you get detached from your research, it takes days and a lot of effort to be back on track again.
3- Team up
“Great things in business are never done by one person” Steve jobs.
Team up with people who will push you forward, who will complete your flows, and who will encourage and inspire you. Collaboration definitely makes us better if done with the right people. Teams can exceed the limits of the individuals when they exchange their skills, potentials, and expertise.
4- One task at a time
You can be intimidated by the number of tasks you have, you just need to break it down. Break down the big tasks into small ones, and work on one task at a time. Small tasks might be accomplished in less time.
5- Seize inspirations
Whether you are in your bed, riding a bus, or taking a bath, ideas come when you least expect them to. It is vital to keep a record of the ideas that your subconscious mind keeps generating for the problems you’re consumed with. Idea notebooks, online notes, or whatever suits you best, it is vital to neatly document all the ideas that come to your mind.
6- Work on at least two projects at a time
To keep you motivated and up to date, work on at least two projects at the same time. That will widen your scope, and make you gain a new perspective. It will also help you avoid boredom, mind blockage, or demotivation if one project is experiencing a downfall.
7- Speak it up
To keep your mind engaged with your research you should also take any opportunity you get to speak it up. Talk to people about your research, engage in discussions, assign a weekly research meeting with your fellow researchers. Speaking it up will help you understand the research better, and in each discussion, you will discover a new angel that you have not considered before.
8- Practice your writing
Writing is practice, like a muscle, needs to be strengthened by practice. Practice writing every day. Just write what is on your mind, putting your thoughts on paper helps you understand its different perspectives.
9 -Sharpen your saw
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe” Abraham Lincoln
You can be the best tree chopper in the world, but with a dull axe, you will accomplish a little. Take time to prepare, make sure you start off with the right tools. In research these tools can be a good research plan, excellent knowledge of the literature background, mastering the research tools…. and many more. “We must never be too busy to take time to sharpen the saw.” Stephen Covey
10- Take a break
Research is an ongoing process, you should be consistent about your break time exactly like your consistency about your work time. If you neglect your body and minds’ right to relax, you will be hung on a never-ending loop of work and stress. No matter how tight your schedule is there should always be room for a work-free, stress-free moment.
Bonus tip: Be proud of how far you have gone, and the accomplishments you have reached so far. And more successful steps will be coming your way.
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PS: Opinions in this article are based on the personal views and experience of the author; if you have a different experience, please feel free to share it.
This article is developed as part of a collaboration between the author as a research intern at Impact Circles Berlin, and the Researchers’ Hub,
At the Researchers’ Hub, We are trying to do, is to deconstruct some myths around academia. We attempt to provide alternative views, approaches, and mindsets for a flat and fair education system. Unfortunately, these ideas are often not seen among researchers, leading to too many limiting beliefs and a struggle to pursue one’s studies.
