What-How-Why

When you look back at a difficulty you overcame during your PhD, consider:

• What was the problem?
• How did you resolve it?
• Why did this have an impact?

It’s all too human to gather problems together into a big pile of negativity. Looking back at PhD challenges and problems it can be all too easy to be overwhelmed.

Instead, get focussed and specific when you think back on PhD problems. Focus on one problem at a time. Use the questions above to help you get past any lingering concerns.

Get things sorted so that you can then focus on the far more important and helpful things that you want to talk about at your viva.

(offered as another tool in the mould of Why-How-What!)

PS: The latest issue of Viva Survivors Select 12, The Contribution Issue aligns with the kind of reflection I’m talking about in today’s post. Overcoming difficulties and problems correlates with making contributions. Find more reflections and tools in the new issue!