Try the 'power of now', there is no point looking so far ahead, since there is nothing you can do about it, the past and the future do not exist... only this moment in time. The problem with nerves are that you try to control a future event (like you can do something about it?), the only situations you should concern your mind with are those that you can control at this moment. Though this is easier said than done, it does put things into perspective. Never look so far ahead, think about it, it seems to work.

I think it is because I dont know where it is heading, though I should understand that this is looking too far ahead (I would imagine), I have vague ideas of what I am trying to do, but they cause me some problems due to lack of real feedback.

I was interested in it, though I seem to have hit a wall of non-interest and am confused about simple things. My feelings of not being up to the challenge have become central to my sitting and doing nothing for long periods of time - this is frustrating. I am normally quite pro-active and enthusiastic - though am totally un-confident.

I was interested in how people deal with uncertainty during a PhD. I am in month 6, which has passed far too quickly (did I actually learn anaything more than how academia works?). For 9-5, 5 days a week I find that it is difficult to take in very much, often in a couple of days I feel confused and uncertain about what I am doing. I have areas of uncertainty, (1) I don't really know the relevance of my study, except that the object of study is not well defined in the literature. (2) Is there really any point to it in the long run? (3)How do you know wither what you are doing is up to standard? Or wither you miss the point all together?

I struggle since the subject is not quite what interests me, yet someone I have drifted, possibly under the influence of my supervisors. Who often contradict themselves from week to week, like they have forgotten what we were discussing previously.

Appologies for a long post.

Regards,

Everyconfused

Not been at it for to long, a few months now. It feels that I am doing lots of nothing productive - am willing to put in the time but struggling to get in depth, feel like I am still on the surface. Not put anything worth while on paper yet, though have tried. I want to feel more involved, any advice?

Hi, coming up for 2 months and feeling a bit anoyed... I dont feel like I have enough focus.. able to work, but lacking direction.. how and when should I have an idea I am going in the right direction? Been reading and mapping, but not sure I am in the right area.. or in an area.. taking its tole as I feel that time is moving fast.. any advice?