Get guys, just discovered this forum and looking for some advice.

At time of posting I'm 3 years into my PhD and have completed my candidacy exam. However, currently I have no publications, and no research that is even remotely publishable. I haven't even attempted submitting anything.

I realise that the common advice here is that it's not a problem, however I'm in a very fast moving field (Computer Eng.) Where incepting and publishing a paper in 4 months is very possible. I'm watching my colleagues (some are undergrads) do this without issue.

I've had some issues with mental health, but I'm mostly on track now. It frustrates me though because I know this is possible but I can't figure out that path that leads to a publication. I barely get past the initial data collection phase with my projects before dropping them.

I'm happy to go into more detail if needed. I just want to figure out where I am going wrong so I can correct it.

Hi Ecclestoned,

So it seems to me like you have some practical problems that needs solutions and also a type of attitude problem (don't know how else to phrase it)

So in relation the 'attitude problem' I have had the same issue. Firstly it is good in way way to know what your peers are up to and use it as a bench mark of what you should aiming for. But comparing yourself to others and making your self feel inadequate is just depressing and demotivating and ruins your confidence

You also say you had mental health problems, but you are pretty much back on track now. Give yourself some credit for this. You have dealt with some challenges and pushed on through so that's great..

In relation to your attitude, stop looking back (regret/should have done more/ect) and stop comparing yourself to others so much. It is hard to stay confident and motivated doing a Phd and doing both those things will sap your confidence and demotivate you (I'm speaking from experience here)

You need to be able to draw a line in the sand and move forward. Take what you have learned from past mistakes for sure, that is useful. But move on with knowledge about the project and yourself, and think about the future, not the past.

In relation to the practical issues, i.e you studies barely get past initial data collection phase, this seems like something you need to discuss with your supervisor. This is exactly what they are there for. So why don't the studies work out? I don't have enough information and I don't know your field. but maybe your being too ambitious with your projects, or maybe there are flaws in your design ect. You do need to figure this out. And your supervisor is best one to help you figure this out. Don't feel bad about it - this is why a Phd takes so long; You are learning, and part of that learning is making mistakes and then building on what you learned. you are not supposed to be perfect researcher; the phd is to train you to be good researcher and part of that is making mistakes and learning from them.