If you think back on your PhD, all the work and effort, the success and setbacks and so on, you’re not going to remember three or more years of continuous story. You’ll remember moments: events that for matter to you and stand out for some reason.
Given the challenge of research and the difficulties you might face, it’s understandable if the standout moments skew a little negatively.
With a little help you can focus on the really helpful highlights. Consider:
- When have you noticed getting better at a task?
- When do you remember learning something for the first time?
- When do you remember your confidence growing?
- At what times do you remember feeling proud?
- When do you remember thinking “I can do this”?
You don’t have to focus on everything as you prepare for your viva. When it comes to building confidence, it will help far more to focus on the snapshots of your progress and growth.
