Motivation is a significant predictor of whether students will complete their doctoral studies. There are two different types of motivation – intrinsic (the motivation that comes from within you) and extrinsic (the motivation fuelled by external things).  

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This video talks about these and the importance of remembering your interest and passion for the subject. 

Relating different types of motivation to doctoral study is explained here.

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It is not always easy to maintain motivation. In this video, current doctoral researchers discuss how they keep going and what they hold onto when they are struggling for motivation. A great tip from this is to write down: why you wanted to do the doctorate; why the research is important; and who the research will impact or help. Having written these things down means you can keep going back to them and reminding yourself why you embarked on this journey in the first place.  

In this podcast interview, Ciara, a second-year PhD student at University College Dublin, shares tips and resources that can help you stay motivated and productive. 

Another technique when tasks feel too much is to take a Darwin Day. Here other, less taxing activities become your focus. This can work well because you still make progress whilst giving yourself a break from those intellectually challenging sessions.