Thanks Sneaks, I am working on the perfectionist thing. I have taken to reading other peoples theses on occasion just so I can see that this IS achievable, and it doesn't need to be that perfect. I don't know that I could hold onto it for two years beyond finished though, because I am getting to the point where I just want the thing done! I also have total faith that when my supervisor says I am ready to submit, that I will be. I am very lucky with my supervision team.

Anyway, tonight I need to
- complete one full section (that I have been working on for weeks :$ )
- reorganise everything I have into the remaining sections
- write a summary for each section of each chapter
- proof read the chapters as they stand, and then send them to my supervisor! *gasp*

I have a review meeting on Friday am, so am getting a wee bit nervous about that.

Hope you have a productive day :) And if I can let go of my lit section enough to send it to my supervisor, I am sure you can get the transcriptions done.

Sneaks, I don't envy you on the moving. Glad its going well

I have thought of giving it to someone else to read, but my problem is letting go. I don't like anyone seeing things that are half finished. Not because I am worried about them stealing stuff, but I'm a perfectionist. Got to get past that one though, it is somewhat hamstringing me :(

Managed to get my intro and conclusions done. Also ended up splitting the chapter into two, and now it flows much better. Now to the next task!

Jinkim, you sound like you are in the same place that I am, except I have spent 3 months on this chapter :-(

Supervisor wants to see something this week though, and I have a review this friday, so I NEED to get something done.

So far, I have my TOC done. About to attempt the intro and conclusion.

Ooh can I please join in here? I desperately need to be held accountable for actually doing something with my days. I was supposed to be completing my lit before christmas, but so far, it has just not happened :$

So, my goals for tonight (and probably the rest of the week) are:
- Finish the section of the literature that I am working on
- Complete a table of contents for my whole lit section
- Reorganise the rest of my literature into those sections
- Write a coherent introduction and conclusion for the chapter

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I have decided to take a deferral, probably for 6 months.

I still really really want to finish the PhD, and honestly believe I will finish it, but its just that the headspace I am in right now is not at all conducive to being productive, and the resulting pressure of not achieving is just making it too hard to continue as is. I intend to keep working on it, albeit at a much slower pace and with a lot less pressure, and my supervisor has said that he will be happy to meet with me when I need to/want to discuss anything which is great. I am definitely very lucky there.

Thanks again everyone :-)

Hi,

I am currently considering taking a 6 month deferral due to number of personal issues and depression that is seriously hampering my ability to focus on my studies. I am currently 23 months in, and am due to start my research interviews soon, but given my state of mind currently I think its best if I don't.

Just wondering if anyone else has had a deferral. How helpful did you found it in terms of being able to regain focus and a sense of purpose again. Also, did you find it hard to transition back into the PhD process afterwards? Any other info that you think might be relevant to this would be really good to hear.

Thanks in advance.