At this stage no doubt you have conducted experiments, collected data or worked out your theoretical stance. If you are going well, congratulations! However we're fairly sure that at least some of you may be having, if not a mid-life crisis, then a mid-thesis crisis. It is common at this stage to lose motivation. Perhaps you're having some concerns about supervision. It could be that all the intellectual challenge of working it out is behind you and all you can see ahead of you is work. It could be that you are wondering how you will deal with all the data, results or knowledge you have acquired. Or it could be that what previously seemed to be a great project now looks rather pedestrian.

	Taking stock of where you are.
	Why am I doing this and how do I keep myself motivated for three years?
	Dealing with data.
	Making sense of the literature.
	Making sense of the literature - second pass.
	Keeping your research focused.
	Looking at the fit between your aims and your research design.
	Wrestling with the idea of making an original contribution.
	Seeking, receiving and handling feedback.
	Strategies for getting the best feedback possible.
	Overcoming reluctance to seek feedback.
	Tackling the writing of drafts.
	Clarifying your real reasons for doing this degree.
	Coping with your highs and lows.