PGR: PhD Chat - Procrastination and Motivation

Being a PhD researcher is a hugely rewarding journey in many ways, but can also involve some challenges.

PhD Chat is a monthly event open to PhD students at University of Birmingham (if the topic is relevant to you, other PGRs such as MRes are welcome to join the conversation). Each month we select a new topic and get together to chat about individual experiences and concerns as well as sharing advice and tips. 

You may have many questions and concerns about your PhD journey, the good news is that you aren't the only one, and talking to fellow researchers and members of staff can be very helpful.

Discussion topic: Procrastination and Motivation

"The emotional regulation view of procrastination also helps explain some strange modern phenomena, like the fad for watching online cat videos which have attracted billions of views on YouTube. A survey of thousands of people by Jessica Myrick at the Media School at Indiana University confirmed procrastination as a common motive for viewing the cat videos and that watching them led to a boost in positive mood. It’s not that people hadn’t adequately scheduled time for watching the videos; often they were only watching the clips to make themselves feel better when they should be doing something else less fun."

The excerpt above has been taking from an article on bbc.com/worklife - read the article introducing procrastination and motivation 

The event will include:

• Introductions
• A short introduction to the topic
• Informal chat and sharing of experiences
• Opportunity to meet other postgraduate researchers