I have often heard it said that pursuing your PhD is more like a marathon than a sprint race. In truth, it can feel more like an ultra-marathon, but there is hope. There is a finish line!

Really, I can’t complain. Through steady application and sometimes plodding progress, I was able to submit the final paper three years after beginning (and studying part time at that). I know there is a lot of interest in how to successfully finish the race, so I thought I would throw in some of my personal reflections (and a little advice!). These aren’t so much technical tips, but rather things that I learned along the way that are helpful (I hope) to know.

1. Research a topic that makes a difference.

Now maybe it says a lot about my own personality but devoting so much time to one specific topic means it has to be interesting. Frankly, it also has to matter… to yourself at least if not to anyone else. Over time, the topic can feel like chewing gum long after the flavour has left – like a test cricketer in the second hour of play. So, find something you care about and that you’ll continue to care about even when your interest inevitably wanes.

2. Set a goal timetable but make it a “live document”.

It may seem obvious but life can change a lot in the three or more years of your PhD (I moved house and changed jobs). There are seasons of busyness that restrict productivity and times of calm where you can put your foot to the floor and power on. I found keeping a spreadsheet with lists of goals (sections, chapter, stages of research etc.) and times which I would ideally like to complete them kept me on track. If I missed a target date I simply shifted the entire schedule back to reflect the extra time now needed. In times of high productivity I could mark goals off early. Keeping a sense of progress in the micro and macro is important.

3. Take breaks when you need them.

Set goals, work diligently but take breaks when you need them. Holiday breaks, illness, kids events, all kinds of things pull at you for your time. Unless your deadline is fast approaching there is usually space to take time out to refresh. If you don’t you probably won’t be productive anyway. I took almost 3 months away from the project due to a high “all-of life” workload. It bothered me at the time, but didn’t make much difference ultimately.

4. Watch out for rabbit trails.

Whether it is reading literature or probing the findings of your research, there are so many interesting rabbit trails to follow. They can very quickly take your focus away from the core concern of your research and your thesis. Remember to keep asking yourself how this thread relates to your research question. Otherwise, you may spend time finding some really cool stuff that it is not directly relevant to your work.

5. A Good Supervisor is worth their weight in gold.

I am thankful I had a great supervisor and a very gracious, knowledgeable co-supervisor. Whether it is coming to the inevitable mental blocks, trying to plot a way forward or just testing out ideas, having someone you can trust to guide you effectively is so important. I didn’t have frequent contact with my supervisor during certain stages but when I needed it, the input was infinitely valuable.

6. Get feedback whenever you can.

You will likely have opportunities to present your progress at various stages of your PhD journey. This might include your research proposal, presenting a methodology, research findings or another chapter you are working on. Various seminars, conferences and forums allow for the provision of feedback by experts in your field and your peers. I must confess that I didn’t do this as much as I could have but found it very valuable when I did. Not only does it aid your work but you begin to grow networks and credibility with people working in your field of interest.

7. Your thinking develops.

One of the benefits of doing a PhD is the way in which it helps to hone critical thinking. You become better at the tasks of analysis, synthesis and evaluation and can apply them more readily in other contexts and aspects of life. Of course, some people possess these skills and develop them in other ways, but the rigour required for a PhD necessitates their use and ensures their growth.

8. People will ask you relentlessly about your progress.

Most of your well-meaning friends, family, peers – just about anyone you know really – will ask you about your PhD progress – a lot. Don’t get me wrong. It is touching that people take an interest in your work – much better than the alternative – but it can wear you down. Think of ways to succinctly explain what you are doing, and as your work progresses, your findings in layman’s terms. This isn’t intended to sound, or actually be, condescending, but few people will know and understand your work in detail as you do. So do them and yourself a favour and make your work’s focus easy, quick and clear to communicate.

9. Know your motivation.

Attrition rates for PhDs are reportedly between 40 – 50% (depending on the field and location). Many start and about half finish. There are many good and legitimate reasons why students drop out, but this rate highlights the importance of motivation or knowing your “why”. Is it for new job opportunities, professional development, the potential for increased income, or the qualification? Having a rationale and commitment to it was important in the times when I felt like giving up. If you don’t have strong intrinsic motivation you may need to consider what you can put in place to spur you on such as self-rewards and celebrating milestones along the way.

10. It is worth it!

Hooray. There really is a finish line. I often heard it said that those that make it to completion are not necessarily the most intellectual but those who persevere. Of course, you need a level of intellect to achieve the task, but tenacity and doggedness are just as important – maybe more! As with any large task, there is great satisfaction in climbing the figurative mountain. You have discovered information that that no one has previously known about. Your PhD may have potential to bring change into a number of given contexts, but it has already changed you – undoubtedly for the better.