Lean Phases

Lean Phase

What’s the best way to get through a lean phase, at work and in one’s personal life? Rely on tried and tested tools, even if they don’t show a marked effect, and wait for the lean phase to blow over. Or, make some radical changes in one’s life. I am in favour of waiting for the phase to blow over. When radically changes are required, it is sort of obvious. When you feel like you are locked in a downward spiral, for instance. I don’t feel that way, and while I am not working with the enthusiasm I would like, its not like I am accomplishing nothing. Even lean phases have their uses, as the cogs in your brain continue to turn, whether you feel them turning or not. Of course, one has to keep showing up. But, it is important not to be too hard on oneself.

I suppose this lean phase is different than others, which is what is making it more difficult to get through. During previous lean phases, there was always something else I could focus on. Now, all my coursework is out of the way, and I have decided not to teach next year and not attend any more conferences. I have cleared up everything else in my professional life, leaving me to focus on my PhD thesis. So, when the thesis stalls, it feels like I am not accomplishing anything in my professional life.

I suppose single-mindedly focussing on my PhD will take some getting used to. If one is not used to pouring all of oneself into one  vessel, it takes some getting used to. It is easy to dismiss lean phases as valuable time wasted, and it is useful to be conscious of the passage of time.  But, the line between self-flagellation and pushing yourself is not so thin as most people think. I believe I know the difference, and can pull myself back when I find myself indulging in the former.

During lean phases, the thought that you could enjoy your PhD seems unimaginable. There is no point in forcing yourself to enjoy your PhD as it impossible to force enjoyment. Neither is it possible nor healthy to enjoy every second of your PHD. But, it is important to be open to the idea that one can enjoy one’s PhD.