Hello, I am in my final year of my PhD and my motivation is near gone. Wake up dreading each day as I am making no progress. Did you hav same problems, if so, did u complete and how did u overcome them? Thanks

I'm in the same situation. Instead of sitting at the computer and not doing any work, it is better to take some time off and relax, then come back to it in a couple of days when you feel refreshed. Don't wind yourself up about it, after a few days rest, it makes me feel like i want to work, not that i have no choice. Otherwise keep setting up goals -like I need to finish this piece of work by 5pm as I am going out this evening :-) hope this helps

Thanks Jean, but mine is worse than that. Have taken 3 months off so far not literally as I have tried to work and yet end up just stressing. But thanks for help. My trouble is that what I am writing is not exactly original. That is my toughest problem to overcome! anyone else?

Hi Rita, it sounds like you need some input from your supervisor. if you really aren't saying anything original, there is no point plugging away and producing something that is not going to be PhD standard; maybe you need some more research. But are you really sure that what you are writing is not original? have you gone through a MPhil/PhD upgrade? if what you were doing was original enough for an upgrade, you should be on track for a PhD.

Hmm, sounds like me in my final undergraduate year.....i.e., mentally exhausted and in need of a holiday. Maybe you could try 1) take a holiday for a week or so and 2) join a gym or do martial arts and this may revitalise your life and spirits. It can't hurt can it?

Rita - are you sure your stuff isn't original? It may be that because you are so closely involved with your work you no long see anything original - that could be a good sign at this stage as it may indicate you know your subject very well. Why don't you try attending or presenting some of your work at a conference to get some outside feedback - this may put a spring back in your step!

Thank you all I will try to impliment all your suggestions in my work plan. Taken more than a week off but problem is that I don't get to rest as feelings of guilt and panic overcome me. I just need to learn not to feel guilty so much. Thanks all

Hi Rita,

Have you tried any of those hypnotherapy tapes? Sounds cranky I know but I've heard they work brilliantly for some people. Definitely agree with Ian about the physical exercise - great for emptying and revitalising the mind.

Thanks Rich, good to see that you still replied to my msg despite having been days now since anyone else wrote. I have since started to make very slow but some work now and am hopeful I will resume at my best by end of this month with God's wish.