Many students who embark on the PhD journey have little or no idea as to what the academic journey entails. The PhD path is tumultuous, and one has to put in immense hard work to attain the degree. Therefore, it is important to pursue a doctorate in an academic field that you are extremely interested in and passionate about. All students pursuing doctorates are required to write theses, and an enormous amount of research work goes into writing a good thesis. A student has to refer to a number of books, journals and scholarly articles, and you will be able to appreciate people’s work and discoveries if you are extremely passionate about the subject matter. Students who pursue doctorates in subjects they are not interested in are unable to take the mounting pressures and drop out of the course within a year or two.

Your supervisors play an important role in the success of your thesis. Since they have undergone the PhD journey before and have years of experience, they will be able to guide you and clarify your doubts. While writing a thesis, it is important to have regular discussions and meetings with your supervisor to ensure that your thesis is on the right track. It is a known fact that one has to burn the midnight oil upon embarking on a PhD journey, but that does not mean that one should forgo sleep and other activities. It is important to strike a balance between work and play. Also, one should get sufficient rest, at least seven hours of sleep, to prevent exhaustion of the mind and body. Many universities have gymnasiums and sports centres; so, students should make use of these facilities to regain energy and keep their minds alert.

Before embarking on a PhD journey, be sure to hone your time management skills as they will come in handy. As a PhD student, you will be required to complete a number of tasks. To ensure that you complete all the tasks on time, create a time table and prioritise your work. This way, you will not lose sight of your goals and you will not be overwhelmed by the mounting tasks. More importantly, you will not be strapped for time.

These are some of the ways to keep yourself motivated and focused on your goal of attaining a PhD. The PhD journey is not easy but by following the aforementioned tips, you will be able to overcome obstacles that may come your way.