As the year draws to a close, I’ve been thinking a lot about wonder. Not the big, showy sort, but the spark that shifts something in you and opens up a new perspective. For many people, that kind of wonder is what draws them into a PhD in the first place.
I’ve also been reflecting on how wonder is often the first thing to disappear when you’re overwhelmed. Pressing deadlines; endless admin; supervisor expectations; and chapters that take three times longer than you imagined can all dampen the excitement and curiosity that originally powered your research.
So I wanted to take a moment to remind you about how your work began with wonder and that spark is still there, even if it’s buried under pressure or fatigue. This season can be a good opportunity to reconnect with your curiosity and notice the threads of thought that interest you, giving yourself permission to follow them.
You might find these prompts helpful as you look back on the year:
- What brought you delight in your research this year — even for a moment?
- What surprised you, or made you think differently?
- When did you feel guided by curiosity rather than pressure?
- What are you quietly hoping next year brings?
If you’d like the support of a more structured reflective process to help reignite your PhD mojo you may be interested in taking part in the annual PhD Plan-a-thon, running 5th-9th January 2026. This five day programme will help you tackle stuckness and create a clear roadmap so you can start the year with clarity and confidence. You can find out more here.
For now, I hope December brings you small moments of joy, a few unexpected sparks of delight, and a gentle return to the sense of wonder that first led you into your PhD.
And if this season, with its dark nights and pressure to feel cheerful, is hard please know you’re not on your own. These UK-based organisations offer confidential support if you need someone to talk to:
- Mind — Mental-health support across England and Wales, including helplines and peer networks. https://www.mind.org.uk/
- Samaritans — 24/7 confidential emotional support for anyone in distress or struggling. Call 116 123 for free from any phone or send an email to jo@samaritans.org
- Shout — Text-based support (text SHOUT to 85258) available day or night.
Wishing you all good things for the festive season and the new year ahead!
Emma x