How do I motivate myself to go for my PhD?

Question

There is no immediate financial incentive, deadline, or other external pressure to motivate me. The internal pressure/incentive comes from wanting to academically achieve more than my parents (older generation), enjoying learning, the challenge of acheiving the highest level of education I can, and yes, the "Dr" sounds good behind my name :) However, I know I will continue postponing it because I'm intimdated by the horror stories, it's a large task and I'm afraid of starting and failing.

Please don't tell me how I don't need to go for it or try to discourage me. I'm looking for tips to mentally push and motivate myself to start the process.

I have already taken the GRE and I know the field I want to study.

World: Thanks for the education, but behind the name is not meant literal.

Answer 1

Okay, no discouragement. Got it. In that case...if you start and fail, you'll still have accomplished more and have more knowledge than someone who never gave it a shot. Getting into a program's a big deal in and of itself.

Of course, you don't want to go in with the attitude that you're going to fail. So think about all of the lousy professors you've had. They got through it, and you can do way better than them. Stop making excuses and go for it!

Answer 2

My first instinct is to tell you that if you have to be motivated, you are not ready to begin the process; however, I'll respect your wishes and make these suggestions:
1) Complete application and submit all necessary documents You can do this without any commitment. It's just a step.
2) Apply to sit for the GRE or other needed exam. The date for the exam may be two or three months away. So far it's just a step. When it's time for the exam, say "hey, it's just a test." Actually from what you way, you will do well with little or no preparation.
3) Remind yourself you ARE one of the BEST. You are capable, hard working, and driven.
4) Remember too, that once accepted and find a major professor the correct answer is always "Yes, professor."

Good luck! I'm sure you will do well.

Answer 3

To a level, the process itself becomes the goal. When the subject matter inspires you, then the process of synthesis, analysis and criticism becomes rewarding in its own right. As does the process of discovery itself.

Finding a good team to work with, led by professors who are open and creative and keen to push boundaries, give you room for your own interpretations, and encourage you to follow what you enjoy will provide the motivation.

Ph.D. as I'm sure you know, stands for Doctor of Philosophy. And Philosophy means "The Joy or Love of Knowledge". That alone is insight enough to be a great answer, in my opinion.

As for tips to start the process. Get out, see people speculatively. Take a look at departments, have a look at which academics inspire you. You have your Masters now, several of them. You have credibility now, these people will talk with you. That in itself is a really great process, because a good PhD student is an asset to a busy Professor. Find where the bliss is.

And lastly, regarding failure - there is really no failure possible if you enjoy the process itself. Mostly at PhD level failure comes from boredom rather than any lack of ability, and following the above suggestions should help you avoid that.

Best of luck to you, it sounds like you could be entering a really great and rewarding phase in your learning process.

Answer 4

Just go for it. If you have and maintain a positive attitude and a true desire to learn then you can likely avoid the horror situation. Each person has their own communication style and their own tolerance for dealing with uncooperative advisors and committee’s. Just because someone else had difficulties does not mean you will. If you run into difficulties and if it is something you really want, those obstacles will help you learn more about your chosen field and help you gain a better understanding of both the academic world and business world, both of which can be extremely frustrating at times.

A better way to look at it is, what else could you be doing? Graduate school can be fun. The challenge and joy of learning in an environment of extremely intelligent friends, peers and colleagues is a great way to enjoy life.

Answer 5

I see on your 360 page that you already have your masters. Assuming that you're considering a PhD in the same field as your masters, you probably wouldn't need much course work. So it seems to me that an important issue is whether there is some specific subject in political theory that you are so interested in that you're willing to devote enough time and intellectual energy to make yourself an expert on that subject. If there is such a subject, you might think about who is working on that subject and contact those scholars. Many scholars are very generous with their time and energy when they meet someone who is interested in their work. And having a good advisor or advisors is an important part of getting through the dissertation process.

I hope that is at least somewhat helpful. Good luck!

Oh yeah, and remember ... you are the lioness!

Answer 6

The real question is, what do you want to do in life? Yes, a PhD takes commitment, but it's not insurmountable - my father did it right after college, so he's been Dr. ____, or ____, PhD, since before he was 30 (and before I was born.) If you want to teach, or write, or do other things you could do in your field that a PhD makes more credible than a Masters, you should go for it. Don't focus on the "horror stories" about the process - think about what you'll do when you're done with it, because it's only one step in your journey.

Answer 7

Ok.. get the PhD and it's you & me on a secluded pink beach in Bermuda (or, Kauai I haven't made up my mind, you pick)... all day and all night. All play and no work. You won't catch your breath until sometime in 2015. (or, maybe I'll just give your hubby ideas & some tips) Sometimes, the mental needs a physical charge, and a good push.

Seriously.. G'head. My guess is, you hit the same mental roadblocks before your other acad. achievements... and you will, once you find your guts. (The journey of 1,000 miles begins with just one step.)

Answer 8

Let me be honest about this. You should only get a PhD is you are driven to do research and can't NOT do it. If you aren't motivated, you probably shouldn't get a PhD.

That being said -- it doesn't mean you won't get motivated. Apply to programs, start the program and see if you become motivated. If you do -- great. If not -- cut your losses and leave with a master's.

Answer 9

I'm impressed & wish you all the best.

Someone sent me a list of things to do b4 I started my MBA.

"Feel the vibe in Shanghai. Learn to cook in Italy. Take belly dancing lessons in Lebanon. French kiss a frenchman. Run a marathon. Dive in the Red Sea. Sit on a beach in Thailand. Kiss a nun in Culcatta..."

I did my own version of a list & completed it & it motivated me. I hope it'll give you ideas for your own list.

A clear mind & a passionate heart is the best motivation.

Answer 10

I'm just going to tell you this much - when you're ready, you'll go for it. Fear of failure... everyone has that to a certain extent....

But I'll share with you my favorite Michael Jordan quote:

"I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

What a "loser"! ;-)