STUDENT’S VOICE Research Doldrums
Kristina Pourtabib, SA-3410
pour1824@vandals.uidaho.edu
For anyone that has been or is cur- rently involved in working on research, the “research doldrums” are something that should be very familiar to you. In fact, I happen to be experiencing it right at this very moment. These slow points in your work are either self-induced or are the result of having to wait on other aspects of your research to wrap up before you can move on. Come to think of it, in my case, my research doldrums are probably attributed to my end of summer procrastination. Everyone can relate to the pre-summer procrastina- tion that comes when school starts to wind down and everyone waits in giddy anticipation of their summer travels, but end of summer procrastination is just as apparent. The truth is, research can get dull at times, and it can be difficult to stay motivated, thus part of my struggle with research right now.
Excitement related to doing research comes in waves. One minute you are completely wrapped up in enthusiasm about the work you are producing, and the next you are frustrated about some- thing not turning out as planned. For these moments it is important to take a step back from the work you are doing and focus your attention on something completely unrelated. By diverting your attention to another task, you are able to let go of your frustrations and get back to your research with a clear mind and refreshed point of view for problem solv- ing. I have shared in previous TPG arti- cles about my own research frustrations in both my career as an undergraduate and graduate researcher. I think that dealing with countless research hurdles in my undergrad really helped me to see any hurdles I faced in my graduate career as not being so bad. Once you get hung up on one thing not panning out, then the rest of your work seems to falter. I remember when I experienced my first setback as an undergrad, I thought my research project was ruined, and then
after the next setback I was already feeling better about my ability to adapt and redirect my research course. After that, handling new setbacks became much easier to digest. There comes a point when you just have to realize that you’ve done the best you can and every- thing will work out, if not the way you had originally planned then in hopefully a better way. A few of the main points I’ve gathered about research are that 1) it gets frustrating, 2) timelines are not definite, and 3) it’s important to take enjoyment in little accomplishments along the way. My research philosophy is not perfect, but it has been working for me (for the most part), and it’s up to the individual to come up with the best work plan for himself or herself in order to reach their own goals.
Don’t let these research doldrums deter you from ultimately making advances in your work. Sometimes it’s good to take a mental break from what you’re doing in order to reevaluate the overall goal of what you’re trying to accomplish. Research is a process that takes time and persistence to complete. It’s important to realize that you can only control yourself and your personal outlook towards research. You are bound to run into hiccups with your work, but the real test is learning how to overcome difficulties and continue in your work.
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