At some point you have to finish. No more reading papers, no more ideas. Your thesis has to be complete. Enough, done!
In preparation for the viva, checking recent publications shows you are a capable researcher. Thinking of how you might develop your work also shows your talent. It could be you don’t want to pursue any of these ideas because you have other plans for your life. That’s fine. Still spend a little time exploring what could be done with your research.
If you have trouble imagining future next steps, ask some of these questions. Reflect and write down your ideas:
- What are some easy ways to go further with your results?
- In what other areas might your approach be useful?
- What does your work mean for other researchers?
- What does your work mean for the theory of your discipline?
- What does you work mean for the practical applications?
- What would you love to do with your research?
Remember: you don’t have to do any of this. You can be clear about that.
Thinking about it could not only lead to some interesting ideas, but perhaps a different appreciation for the work you’ve already done.
