Research Scholars – Losing Motivation? Act now!
Research Scholars – Losing
Motivation? Act now!
Ms. Feelingdown is a research
scholar with a reputed institution. Her typical day ends like this:
What
was to do be done today? – Plenty.
What
did I actually do? – Nothing.
How
do I feel? – Full of guilt.
Does this strike a chord with you?
If your answer is yes, you are low on motivation.
Motivation is a zealous wish or eagerness
to carry on progressing towards a specific goal. Being constantly motivated is not
easy for a researcher. With failures, poor results, peer pressure, and many
other issues, discouragement can set in. “Somehow, push on!” say your loved
ones. However, persevering with little motivation does not last. If one has no
motivation, research becomes unsatisfactory and dull. That is a situation the
researcher must avoid.
So, what
does one do?
Here are some tips to help you
along.
Recall the reason you became a researcher
Focus on your goal. This often
happens in research when all the burdens of everyday life pulls us down. What
made you become a researcher? Wanted to make a meaningful difference? Recall
why you took up the research, and everything that is done is meaningful. Focus
the big picture.
One becomes disheartened by endless
mundane ‘must-do’ jobs. Ignore such jobs and concentrate on how to reach your
bigger goal.
Take little steps
A research takes time to be
completed. Deciding to reward oneself only on reaching the final goal can be
daunting. Create small milestones and reward yourself on attaining them. This can
make the journey fun.
Take imperfections in your stride
Expect that events will not go
according to plan. Motivation takes a beating when one realizes that the set
goal is not easy to reach. Is the goal unrealistic? The success stories on
research one comes across hide the truth of a history of failures. So, expecting
road humps and unplanned delays can help one to adapt, avoid discouragement, and
remain motivated.
Have other passions
While struggling with low motivation,
look for other things which fascinate you, and promote them. Get back to your
older passions – music, sports, hiking, whatever. Carry out time investments towards
these activities without feeling guilty. This investment will help your work, and
perhaps spill over to your research.
Be smart
Trying to achieve too much can be
overwhelming, which may result in loss of motivation. When tasks pile up, researchers
work harder to the point that it becomes too much to handle. One needs to work
smart instead. Such researchers remain constantly motivated. Look for efficient
approaches for completing experiments sooner without compromise. Look for new
technologies. Stay updated in your field.
Eat well and drink lots of water
Many researchers skip meals for completing
their immediate tasks. This does not indicate that you are devoted to your
work; quite the reverse. Skipping meals diminishes glucose levels in the blood,
which is required for focusing. Provide good nutrition and hydration to the
body for better moods and focus.
Change
your way of looking at and doing things. Good luck with your research!!!
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