When young, I loved going on trail runs. It was my favorite way to1stress.
So, when I was back in my hometown after a2first year of my Ph. D. program. I thought a trail run was just what I needed. But instead of helping me relax, the run did just the3.
After I moved to the city for college, where my runs were on flat concrete paths instead of4dirt trails, I used a GPS watch. When I went on trail runs again in the country, it constantly reminded me of the fact that I wasn't5up with my usual pace. I6my watch, thinking that would allow me to enjoy my7and find the peace I expected, but I found myself under performing. "Why can't I let go and just enjoy myself?" I wondered. But after some8, I realized why I was9both on trail runs and in graduate school.
Going into my Ph.D., I had thought that I would do well. To my surprise, I was wrong. I10confidence in my research abilities which I thought stopped me performing well and I constantly felt my progress was too slow. Other students' self-confidence and their excellent results made me feel11.
Then came my visit home. I was having12because I hadn't properly13my expectations to the differences between an urban run and a trail run.
A Ph. D. is like a trail run. Sometimes you can run fast. Sometimes you might climb at snail's pace. And that's OK. Barriers are14. Sometimes it's best to take a deep breath and do your best to15the challenge.
