If you're anything like me you chose to do a PhD not only because you like research but also for the prospect of having a lot of freedom in deciding what you do and how you do it. And maybe you were even lucky enough to find an advisor who gives you that freedom. But now that you're a couple of months or years in you don't feel so free at all.
Instead, you feel overwhelmed and unfocused. The pile of work in front of you is so huge you don't know where to start.
If you are in this place right now, let me suggest you start with something counterintuitive:
Reduce your freedom!
Yes, you wanted freedom. And you can still have it. But at the same time, being able to do everything often results in - nothing. So, you need to set constraints. And here is an approach to help you finding the right constraints to your project.
Maybe you've heard of the SMART model to make your goals achievable. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Reachable and Time-bound. If chosen right constraints help you make your project smarter.
Here are a few questions that can help you find the right constraints:
Specific: Exactly what gap do you want to close with your research? Your overall topic is probably too broad. Figure out one specific problem you can solve. The more specific you can get, the better!
Measurable: How will the research you're planning to do contribute to the open questions in your field? Again, be as specific as possible.
Actionable: How are you going to solve your question? Choose one method to address your question. (Maybe you need more than one method sometimes. But aim for as few as possible).
Reachable: Given the resources (time, equipment, skills,...) you have what seems easily doable? No project ever goes as smoothly as planned so better to be a bit less ambitious at first.
Time-bound: no-brainer. You only have so many years to do the project. BUT: some day several years from now is not a helpful deadline. Break down your project into smaller milestones and set deadlines for those.
Important disclaimer:
Your plan, maybe even your topic, will change. That's normal and totally ok!
The questions I suggest may be hard to answer when you're relatively new to research. Your PI can help!
If they are unavailable ask more senior colleagues for support. They probably remember their own PhD very vividly and will be able to tell you if your plan sounds realistic, or not.
If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy my free three-day email course "Three steps to finish the PhD with ease".
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