Week 6: Write a Happy PhD

Welcome to the last week of the course!

This week we are going to leave the academic rat race behind. At the very least, we’re going to take a few steps in the right direction…

In theory you have lots of autonomy in academia. In practice, it is not unusual to feel not in control, at all. Partly due to the nature of academic work, and partly due to the competition built into modern-day academia, we may feel shaky and unsteady. We may be stressed about how we are going to finish, publish, get ahead, stay on top.

What (in my opinion) is called for, is a stronger sense of self-trust, a developing of the knowledge that no matter what happens you will be okay. With that sense of confidence and connection in place it becomes possible to make the right decisions work-wise, whether small or profound. It is about loosening the grip the external factors have on us and being more compassionate with ourselves. It is what makes us stronger.

Cultivating this sense of connection is at the heart of this week’s essays. We’ll be establishing a sound connection with your inspiration and we’ll be exploring what being self-supportive means. We’re taking a look at the ways we may be undermining ourselves, or being too self-critical. We’re so trained at the art of criticism. We may use the same critical stance towards ourselves, as we do towards our work. How can we approach ourselves in a kinder way? How can we look after ourselves? Is there a way to soften criticism’s effect on us?

Being in academia can be a tough gig mentally and emotionally. Let’s find ways to handle the pressure…

Good luck this week!

Amber