The PhD Knowledge Base

Negative emotions can be a spur to action

Dr. Max Lempriere

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What are your negative emotions telling you?⁣
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If you’re stressed, it’s a sign that you need to slow down. If you’re tired, it’s a sign that you need to rest. If you’re overwhelmed, it’s a sign that you need to reprioritise, say no, and delegate. ⁣
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Negative emotions can overpower us, but they can also teach us. You can think of them as a spur to action – a sign that something isn’t quite right and that something needs to change. ⁣
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Next time your PhD gets you down, listen carefully to what you’re feeling. Then ask yourself: what does this tell me and what can I do in response? ⁣
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