How to optimise your research capabilities?

More often than not, research work is considered to be a long and never-ending process. Conducting the experiments, gathering data, and interacting with humans might seem like the interesting part but what follows is cumbersome. Interpreting and writing something meaningful out of everything you have gathered is vital. There are definitely days when I feel like, that's it!

In this blog, I am going to discuss what helps me when I have been stuck in the rut to keep myself motivated and keep going. Read on to know more!

1. Take a break

When you are gathering and churning data for a long period of time, it is normal to get frustrated with the volumes. You MUST take some time off to reassess and recall the purpose of your research. You must do self care and and indulge in hobbies every once in a while, it will help you gain perspective. You should have dependable peers who are passengers on the same path to help you motivated and make this journey less lonely. You must also remeber to connect with family and friends outside of work to rejuvenate and unwind.

2. Take up small tasks and FINISH them

On some days you may feel like you might never finish your work and it is never-ending. On those days you must take a break to take up a hobby activity where you fix a time limit and finish it. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and consoles you that it that things get over. 

3. Keep your eyes on the prize

Data is noisy and on some days, you may feel lost! But remember that you took up the research because you wanted to solve a problem. A Ph.D. can open various amazing career paths for you. You may want to be an academician, a researcher, an entrepreneur, work with MNCs, etc. Possibilities are endless. Set daily affirmations and reminders for yourself to remember your aim. 

4. Reassess the scope and objective of your research work

Change is the only constant truth of this universe. Researchers around the world are moving fast in assessing the next big thing and you MUST too. When you started your research, a pressing topic then might be irrelevant by the time you finish. You must keep up with everything that is happening in your field and keep up your work. You may do so by reading journals articles, following researchers and 

5. Have a mentor early on in your career

Having a career in research involves numerous ups and downs. It can be roller coaster of emotions, deadlines and personal sacrifices. You must have a mentor early in your career who has covered the journey to hold you when you struggle. A mentor guides you and advises you to help you make those choices. 

At the end, I would just say that don't give up! This is your chance to be the greatest and you have come so far, to go far! Remember that research work and Ph.D. is a marathon and not a sprint, you must do everything to reach the destination and maintain your stamina. You are already awesome to have taken up to solve a problem in the world and only you can do it with your originality. All the best and luck to you!