(1) I don’t know if it can be considered a resource, but I would like to suggest a method that I have used before and that I want to integrate into my PhD life (although I haven’t started yet): keeping a digital journal every day with bullet points about what you did that day and how you felt about it or what motivated you that day. I think this method is very useful in terms of keeping track of what you did, noticing the times when you were unproductive, getting back to your own pace, and keeping track emotionally. You can use Excel and create a space for every day, or you can make it less organized and write it on docs. Either way, it is always good to go back and see how you progress.
(2) Watching the videos was really useful for realizing how every area comes with its own difficulties and how every project has its own challenges.
- No matter how much we try to stay cheerful during the process, the work we do is not easy and we try to deal with new challenges every day. And as you mentioned in your conversation with Barbara, it can be a lonely process sometimes and you can get lost in the work and feel frustrated. My first question is, do you have any advice on remembering your motivations and getting back into the process in a healthy way when you feel frustrated, lost your track, or overwhelmed?
- My second question is about the concept that Anna mentions as slowing down. I want to learn more about how she manages to slow herself down, especially considering the presence of deadlines and unexpected new tasks. Do you have any advice or strategies that can help in slowing down?
- My third question is how they manage their time. I have a particular problem with this. It takes time to complete something at a level that I am satisfied with, but since we have to deal with more than one thing, we usually have to prioritize some things and postpone other stuff to a later time. In this case, I feel unhappy and wonder if they have any advice for more effective time management.
- One extra question: Anna mentions the importance of learning programming. I am trying to improve myself and I try to learn by myself and by taking courses when possible. Are there any resources they recommend to improve on programming more effectively (other than learning by having to apply it to your own projects of course)?
(I am mentioning specific names in my questions but my questions are for everyone today with us.)