The PhD Life Coach

The PhD Life Coach

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Whether you're a PhD student or an experienced academic, life in a university can be tough. If you're feeling overwhelmed, undervalued, or out of your depth, the PhD Life Coach can help. We talk about issues that affect all academics and how we can feel better now, without having to be perfect productivity machines. We usually do this career because we love it, so let's remember what that feels like! I'm your host, Dr Vikki Burns. Find out more about working with me at thephdlifecoach.com

Vikki Burns


    • Jun 2, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 33m AVG DURATION
    • 130 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The PhD Life Coach

    3.39 How to get ahead when you're feeling behind

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 40:19 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!In this episode, best selling author Sophie Hannah shares her “Book Ahead” method for managing multiple projects when you already feel behind. Born in the midst of a particularly busy year of writing, the first iteration of the Book Ahead method not only got the job done, it also changed how Sophie felt about herself, her other projects, and one of her long-standing “bad habits”. If you feel like you'll be behind forever and want a technique that doesn't just involve simply working more, then this is the episode for you! Links:About Sophie Hannah and the Dream Author coaching programmePre-order Sophie's new book, No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done– UK, North America; available at other good bookshops!****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. Please make sure you subscribe, and I would love it if you could find time to rate, review and tell your friends! You can send them this universal link that will work whatever the podcast app they use. http://pod.link/1650551306?i=1000695434464 I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

    3.38 Nine things PhD students need to tell themselves more often

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 32:37 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!Most PhD students and academics spend a lot of time telling themselves they're not doing enough, they're behind or they're not good enough. Even if you truly believe that's true, constantly having those comments in your head makes everything feel more difficult. When I talk with clients about intentionally choosing other thoughts, they often struggle to come up with thoughts that might help more AND that still feel true. In this episode, I give you nine examples that you can pick up and play with today!Links:What to do when you get contradictory adviceHow to coach yourself (and why you should)Why what you do matters (and when it doesn't)****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. Please make sure you subscribe, and I would love it if you could find time to rate, review and tell your friends! You can send them this universal link that will work whatever the podcast app they use. http://pod.link/1650551306?i=1000695434464 I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

    3.37 Why academics need to think like entrepreneurs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 52:23 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!In this episode, I welcome Dr Ilana Horwitz, author of the new book, The Entrepreneurial Scholar. Being entrepreneurial isn't just about starting a business — it's about thinking creatively, seizing opportunities, and applying academic skills in innovative ways. We explore how PhD students and academics can develop an entrepreneurial mindset and connect with people outside their field to unlock new possibilities. Plus, we talk about how academic careers can be enriched by embracing flexibility and finding new ways to contribute to society, whether through collaboration, commercialization, or interdisciplinary projects.Links Find out more about Dr Ilana Horwitz here.The Entrepreneurial Scholar website (Ilana's book)****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. Please make sure you subscribe, and I would love it if you could find time to rate, review and tell your friends! You can send them this universal link that will work whatever the podcast app they use. http://pod.link/1650551306?i=1000695434464 I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

    3.36 Why you shouldn't always do your best

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 21:35 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!If you are bored of being told “just do your best” and not knowing what that means, then this is the episode for you. We are gonna talk today about why you shouldn't be trying to do your best all the time, what the problems are if you do try and do your best all the time, and most importantly, what you should do instead.Links:Why perfect plans failClient Q&A – getting it done when you don't feel like it****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. Please make sure you subscribe, and I would love it if you could find time to rate, review and tell your friends! You can send them this universal link that will work whatever the podcast app they use. http://pod.link/1650551306?i=1000695434464 I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

    3.35 How PhD Students Can Network Smarter & Avoid Career Panic with Dr David Mendes from Beyond the Thesis

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 46:36 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!Struggling to figure out your career path after your PhD? In this episode, David Mendes—host of the Beyond the Thesis podcast—shares expert tips on using networking to map out your job market early. Learn how to have strategic career conversations, explore industry roles, and avoid last-minute decision panic. This conversation offers practical steps PhD students can take to better understand their options and plan with confidence.Links:Beyond the Thesis with Papa PhD (David's podcast)Connect with David on LinkedInDavid's Skool.com link****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. Please make sure you subscribe, and I would love it if you could find time to rate, review and tell your friends! You can send them this universal link that will work whatever the podcast app they use. http://pod.link/1650551306?i=1000695434464 I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

    3.34 Why making halfassed decisions is making your PhD harder

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 18:11 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!We don't usually think of a PhD as a decision making process but it really is. We decide what research we do, how we do it, how we report it, and we make hundreds of decisions a day about what order we will do work in, what opportunities we will take up and refuse, and who we should ask for support. In this episode, I share the problems that happen we only vaguely, half-heartedly make decisions – and as usual, let you know what we need to do instead. Join the membership! We are open 28th April-2nd May 2025****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. Please make sure you subscribe, and I would love it if you could find time to rate, review and tell your friends! You can send them this universal link that will work whatever the podcast app they use. http://pod.link/1650551306?i=1000695434464 I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

    3.30 How to make your week more effective

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 26:46 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!If you start your weeks strong but usually end disappointed, then this episode is for you! I'm going to be sharing how everything improved for me when I separated “boss me” from “implementer me” and used that idea to understand why I felt so frustrated at the end of the week. I'll identify the most common issues so you can see which resonate most with you and give you some specific ideas to try out this week! Sign up for the webinar on 23rd April 2025 here****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. Please make sure you subscribe, and I would love it if you could find time to rate, review and tell your friends! You can send them this universal link that will work whatever the podcast app they use. http://pod.link/1650551306?i=1000695434464 I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

    3.32 How to work out why you procrastinate and what to do about it

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 33:34 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!Pretty much every PhD student struggles with procrastination yet the advice is often very generic. In this episode, I talk about a theoretical framework that helps us better understand why each of us, as individuals, procrastinate so that we can make more tailored plans to support ourselves. I also explain why it's totally understandable that you procrastinate and why we know it's a modifiable behaviour – i.e. you can change!You can find the link to the Svartdal and Lokke paper here.****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. Please make sure you subscribe, and I would love it if you could find time to rate, review and tell your friends! You can send them this universal link that will work whatever the podcast app they use. http://pod.link/1650551306?i=1000695434464 I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

    3.31 Protecting your mental health during your PhD with Dr Marissa Edwards

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 67:22 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!This week I'm joined by Dr Marissa Edwards, one of the editors of the Research Handbook of Academic Mental Health. We chat about why higher education can be a uniquely stressful environment, why some researchers may have particular challenges, and how we can look after ourselves while we navigate our academic careers.  Links:You can find out more about Dr Marissa Edwards here and connect with her on LinkedInHer book is the Research Handbook of Academic Mental Health.We also mentioned Dr Zoe Ayres' book Managing Your Mental Health During Your PhD. If you found this episode useful, you might also like these: Are you in an emotional overdraft? Overcoming overwhelm and overwork in your PhDCreating positive academic environments – insights from sport psychology****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. Please make sure you subscribe, and I would love it if you could find time to rate, review and tell your friends! You can send them this universal link that will work whatever the podcast app they use. http://pod.link/1650551306?i=1000695434464 I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

    3.30 Doing a PhD with a chronic illness, with special guest Krystina François

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 58:05 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!In this episode, we welcome Krystina François, a third year PhD student and current member of The PhD Life Coach membership. Krystina shares her experiences of doing a PhD with chronic illness, coming to terms with being disabled, and how she balances the needs of her PhD with looking after her health. We have a mini coaching session about her writing schedule, which is relevant for all PhD students, as well as hearing her recommendations about how universities could better support students completing their research with health challenges. If you found this episode useful, you might also like these: How and if to work when things feel uncertainHow to stop feeling guilty when you restHow to seek the help you need****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. Please make sure you subscribe, and I would love it if you could find time to rate, review and tell your friends! You can send them this universal link that will work whatever the podcast app they use. http://pod.link/1650551306?i=1000695434464 I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

    3.29 How to Stop Wasting Time by Trying to Be Too Efficient

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 16:28 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!In this episode of The PhD Life Coach podcast, Dr Vikki Wright explains why chasing ‘perfect efficiency' is actually making your PhD harder. Many students think that taking flawless notes or writing excellent first drafts will save time — but this mindset often leads to procrastination and stress. Instead, Vikki reveals why starting imperfectly is the key to progress. She explains that writing is part of the thinking process, reading evolves with your understanding, and connecting with others can be the most effective use of your time. If you're overwhelmed by the pressure to be ‘productive', this episode will help you work smarter — not harder. Ideal for PhD students and academics feeling stuck, behind, or anxious about their thesis. Listen now to learn how embracing imperfection can help you finish your PhD with less stress.Links I refer to in this episode:Why you shouldn't read when you're writingWhy perfect plans fail: embracing imperfection in academic writingHow to get started on a taskHow to use the do know don't know list****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. Please make sure you subscribe, and I would love it if you could find time to rate, review and tell your friends! You can send them this universal link that will work whatever the podcast app they use. http://pod.link/1650551306?i=1000695434464 I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

    3.28 How to overcome your fear of presenting (with special guest, author Linda Ugelow)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 38:54 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!If you dread presentations, or would just like to be a bit more confident when speaking, then this episode is for you! Linda Ugelow, author of Delight in the Limelight, is talking about why so many of us struggle with public speaking and what we can all do to improve. If you listen carefully, you'll also find out what happened when I was live on stage in a wetsuit too

    3.27 How to “do it all” – a listener Q&A episode!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 28:26 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!In this episode I answer three questions from listeners on different topics, but that are all loosely connected to the idea that we want to be able to “do it all”. I give Julia some tips on writing up a PhD with small children, I advise Susan on how prepare for her comprehensive exams, and I give Sajini some ideas about managing overwhelm when balancing writing up with working as an international student.  Interestingly, these are all topics that I don't have direct experience of, but stay with me as I apply our mindset principles to these very real challenges. ****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. Please make sure you subscribe, and I would love it if you could find time to rate, review and tell your friends! You can send them this universal link that will work whatever the podcast app they use. http://pod.link/1650551306?i=1000695434464 I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

    3.26 How to look after yourself when conducting emotionally distressing research

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 65:40 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!All research can be stressful but if your topic is inherently distressing, it becomes even more important to look after your own wellbeing. In today's episode, I welcome Dr Tina Skinner and Sarah Warbis who are experts in researcher wellbeing. They talk about how researchers can support themselves and, even more importantly, what support institutions should be putting in place to ensure that those conducting research in distressing topics get the help they need. Whatever your topic, there is a useful advice about caring for your own wellbeing. *Please note that there is brief mention of some distressing topics from the start.*****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

    3.25 How to edit your work without hating yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 33:46 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!One of the most frustrating moments in a PhD or academic career is reading through your first draft—only to realise it's a mess. It doesn't flow, the arguments feel clunky, and now you're stuck figuring out how to fix it.In today's episode, I'm sharing practical techniques to help you transform that rough first draft into a polished manuscript—without the overwhelm and self-criticism. Whether you're writing a thesis chapter, journal article, or conference paper, these strategies will make revision smoother, faster, and far less painful.****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

    3.24 How and why to write for Medium (and beyond)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 45:14 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!Want more people to read your research? This week, I'm joined by Tony Stubblebine, CEO of Medium, to explore the benefits of writing for a general audience. We'll discuss how sharing your ideas beyond academia can boost your visibility, strengthen your writing skills, and position you as an expert. If you've ever wondered whether anyone will actually read what you write—or how to reach more people—this episode is for you!****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

    3.23 Why what you do matters (and when it doesn't)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 8:05 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!Do you ever wonder why you're even doing this? Whether your research actually matters and whether the world actually cares? In this episode I'm telling you exactly why I believe your work matters, no matter what you're researching. I'll also tell you what bits (that we often worry about) don't matter! This episode is designed to listen to whenever you need it, so make sure you save it somewhere for those days when you're struggling!****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

    3.22 Are you in an emotional overdraft? With special guest author Andy Brown

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2025 53:46 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!Do you ever feel like you're only succeeding because you're working more than is healthy? That you are subsidizing your work at the expense of your wellbeing? Then today's episode is a must listen! I welcome Andy Brown, author of The Emotional Overdraft and we chat about what we mean by an Emotional Overdraft, how to know if you have one, and what to do about it.****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

    3.21 Six types of social support you need as a PhD student (and how to get it)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 36:32 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!Doing a PhD and even working in academia can be a lonely business. Sometimes we just don't feel like we've got the support we need around us. In this episode, I am going to identify six different types of social support that I think all academics need and give you some ideas to start assessing where you think you are at the moment. From there we'll identify some steps forward that you can take, so that you can get the social support that you need.****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3.20 Why we should think less about deadlines (and what we should do instead)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 30:01 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!Do you find yourself putting stuff off because it's not due yet or never reaching some goals because they don't have a specific deadline at all? Is the only thing that actually gets you moving that slight panic associated with a looming deadline? If so, this is totally normal but it can mean that work feels very pressured and that we don't always do the things that we want to be doing in the long term. In this episode, I will talk about how we can reduce our dependence on deadlines and how we can use start dates to organise our tasks instead.****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3.19 Secrets we wish PhD students knew with Dr Gertrude Nonterah of the Bold PhD

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 39:47 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!In this episode, I chat with Dr Gertrude Nonterah, founder of The Bold PhD. She shares her own experience of transitioning from an academic career to an industry position and starting her own business that supports people with PhDs to build their personal brand and find jobs outside academia. She also shares some of the hints and tips that she has gathered through speaking with hundreds of academics, that she wishes all PhD students knew! ****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3.18 How and When to Change Your Plans: Overcoming Resistance, Embracing Flexibility, and Making Big Moves

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 36:38 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!Changing plans can feel daunting, especially when you're committed to a specific path and you're not sure what is the “right” decision. In this episode, we dive into why it's so hard to shift gears, why adaptability is essential for success, and how to navigate change without losing momentum. You'll also hear about a major update I'm making to my membership programme—offering insights that could inspire your own big decisions. Whether you're rethinking your PhD research goals or looking to build resilience in your everyday life, this episode is packed with practical tips and real-world examples to help you embrace change with confidence.****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3.17 Overcoming Overwork and Overwhelm in the Final Months of Your PhD (a special coaching episode!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 65:37 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!In this episode, I coach Swagata, a PhD student navigating the intense overwhelm and exhaustion of her final months of writing up. If you've ever felt the pressure of looming deadlines, struggled to balance rest with productivity, or found yourself trapped in guilt for taking a break, this episode is for you.What's inside this episode?✨ The challenges of finishing a PhD – Swagata shares her honest experience of overwork, guilt around resting, and feeling like her energy isn't enough to meet the demands of writing up.✨ Practical time-management strategies – Together, we explore actionable ways to organise her time effectively, so she can focus on what truly matters without burning out.✨ Reframing unhelpful thoughts – I help Swagata identify and challenge thought patterns that are making her PhD journey more painful than it needs to be, offering insights that can help you, too.This episode is packed with relatable struggles and realistic solutions for any PhD student feeling overwhelmed. You'll gain practical tips to ease your workload and mindset shifts to approach your final months with more clarity and confidence.

    3.16 Why I'm banning highlighters

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024 13:16 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!In this episode, I make a feisty case for why we should ban highlighters! I'll give you four reasons they're not helping you and tell you what you should be doing instead. Forward this to all your favourite stationery-obsessed friends! ****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3.15 Creating Positive Academic Environments: Insights from Sports Psychology with Dr Andrew Dewar

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 61:45 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Andrew Dewar from Oxygen Conservation to explore how we can build more positive, motivational environments in academia using insights from sports psychology.We dive into strategies for fostering recovery, supporting each other, and creating climates that inspire students and supervisors alike. Learn how to:Create a supervisory relationship that cares for both the people involved AND academic performanceBoost autonomy, competence, and connection in your academic life.Apply proven techniques from sports psychology to reduce stress and enhance performance.Whether you're a PhD student striving for balance or a supervisor aiming to better support your team, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you thrive in academia.

    3.14 Why Word Count Goals Don't Work for PhD Writing – And What to Do Instead

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 14:21 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!In this episode, we're diving into a common trap many PhD students and academics fall into: setting word count goals like “500 words a day” or “6,000 words by next month.” While these goals sound productive, they often oversimplify the complex process of academic writing.I'll explain why relying on word count as a measure of progress can hinder your motivation and overlook crucial aspects of writing, such as revising, outlining, and refining ideas. Most importantly, I'll share smarter, more effective ways to track your progress and keep your writing on track without feeling overwhelmed.If you're struggling to stay motivated with your thesis, dissertation, or academic papers, this episode is here to help you rethink how you approach writing. Tune in to make meaningful progress without getting stuck in the word count trap!Perfect for PhD students, early career researchers, and anyone navigating academic writing challenges.****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3.13 Client Q&A - Motivating yourself in your final year, achieving post-PhD goals, and effective podcast listening

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 26:10 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!In this episode, I answer three thought-provoking questions from PhD students and graduates:Handling Final-Year DisappointmentA PhD student asks how to cope with the sense of disappointment that can arise in the final year when you realise your initial goals and ambitions have had to be scaled back. I explain why this is actually a good sign and how to use this understanding to motivate yourself to move forwards.Staying Motivated Post-PhDCharlotte, a member of my coaching programme, seeks advice on self-coaching as she works on writing papers post-PhD, with no pressing deadlines or external accountability. I explore ways to find intrinsic motivation and structure this next phase of her academic journey.Making the Most of PodcastsSophie enjoys listening to podcasts while multitasking but struggles with taking notes or fully engaging with the content. I offer tips for integrating podcasts into her routine more effectively to maximise their value.This episode is packed with practical advice for navigating common challenges in your academic journey and beyond.****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3.12 Why perfect plans fail: Embracing imperfection in academic planning

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 25:19 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!In this episode, I share a fresh approach to planning for PhD students and academics that doesn't rely on perfection. If you've ever felt like planning isn't for you because you “never stick to it,” this episode is for you. We'll explore imperfect planning: creating flexible time structures that make it easy to pick back up after things go off track.Tune in to learn:Why expecting perfection derails most plansHow to make plans that support your goals without guiltSimple tips for sticking with your goals in a flexible, realistic wayPerfect for anyone balancing research, deadlines, and the unpredictable journey of PhD life!****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3.11 Navigating AI during your PhD: An Honest Conversation with Dr. Jessica Parker of MoxieLearn

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 65:43 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!Whether you're a regular AI user or prefer to keep your distance, understanding AI's role in academia is becoming essential. In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jessica Parker, founder of the AI platform MoxieLearn, about the when, why, and how of using AI as a PhD student. We explore where AI can genuinely enhance your research—and where it might fall short. From the best benefits to the biggest pitfalls, and even some thought-provoking questions about the future of higher education, we delve into both the philosophical and the practical sides of AI. Tune in for insights, real-world advice, and an honest look at what AI means for the PhD journey.****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3.10 How to go from idea overload to clarity

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2024 20:47 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!I don't know about you but my brain has so many ideas and thoughts of things I should do, shouldn't do, mustn't forget, want to change, or need to make a decision about. I needed a system to get them out of my head but where I knew I would come back to them. In this episode, I'm sharing a system I've been testing to help capture and crucially organise and act on ideas more effectively. This process is all about easing mental overload, holding onto those fleeting insights, and spotting patterns in our thinking to boost clarity and problem-solving. I'm still experimenting at the moment, so I'd love to hear your feedback and ideas—perhaps there are tweaks that could make this even more useful for researchers and PhD students!****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3.09 Client Q&A – post-deadline slumps, uncommunicative supervisors, and judging your own work

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 41:41 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!Do you struggle to get back into work after a big deadline? Have issues connecting with your supervisor? Or feel like you don't even know whether your work is good enough or not? Then this episode is for you! In my second client Q&A episode, I answer three questions from listeners on these topics and give actionable advice if you find yourself in these situations. I even give a little controversial advice to supervisors so make sure you listen out for that too! ****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3.08 How to be more patient and realistic (part of the Be Your Own Best Boss series)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 27:21 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!If you make unrealistic plans and get impatient that you're not progressing more quickly, then this is the episode for you! I'm going to give you specific tips about how to be more realistic and more patient so that you can be a better boss to yourself! I'll talk about when you need to be realistic and patient, what thoughts will help and what feelings, actions and results we can then generate. If you like it, check out the rest of the five part series where I talk about 8 other qualities – compassionate, curious, strategic, ambitious, intentional, resourceful, encouraging and accepting. These all come from my online course, how to be your own best boss, which you can find on my website if you want more support! www.thephdlifecoach.com****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3. 07 How (and if) to work when things feel uncertain

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 33:20 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!It's a tough world at the moment. I've had lots of clients struggling with job insecurity, family or personal health issues, and the direct or indirect effects of all the bad stuff that's happening in the world right now. In this podcast, I give some ideas about how you can show yourself compassion, decide what (if any) work you are capable of, and how to support yourself through these challenges times. The emphasis is always on compassion - it's OK to find this difficult. When we can reduce the self-judgment, we can then spend time thinking about how to support ourselves.****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3.06 How to inspire the next generation (with Rosa Smith from the Brilliant Club)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 40:28 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!Do you remember what fascinated you about your PhD topic? Sometimes when we're stuck in the middle of endless studying it can be hard to recall why we even chose this programme. This week in the podcast I'm talking to Rosa Smith from the Brilliant Club about how sharing your research with schoolkids can inspire everyone involved! Rosa talks about how the Brilliant Club works with less advantaged young people in non-selective, non-feeing paying schools in the UK and improves critical thinking skills, academic performance and university prospects. In addition, we hear about how the PhD student tutors in turn develop their communication skills, organisation, confidence and teaching skills, all while getting to share their research with others. You can find out more about the Brilliant Club here - https://thebrilliantclub.org/****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3.05 Client Q&A – getting it done when you don't feel like it

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2024 27:52 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!If you struggle to get stuff done when you don't feel like working, this episode is for you! I'm answering three questions from my listeners:Q1 How do I go from rough notes to writing sentences?Q2 How do I edit when I'm scared I'll realise it's rubbish? Q3 How do I get stuff done when I feel unmotivated? I'll tell you all the ways this is totally normal AND what you can do about it! BTW Do you ever have questions that you'd love to have answered by someone understanding and knowledgeable? Drop questions in the comments and I'll answer them in a future episode! ****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3.04 How to be more strategic and ambitious

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 25:31 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!Sometimes in academia being “strategic” and “ambitious” can feel like criticisms – like we're building our career at the expense of others or being too “corporate” for a university setting. In reality, being strategic and ambitious is just about deciding what contribution you want to make to the world and why. If you often underestimate yourself, or feel like however hard you work other people are progressing more quickly, then this is the perfect episode for you. It's another in my Be Your Own Best Boss series, helping you to be the exact boss to yourself that you need. We'll think about the circumstances in which it's useful to be strategic and ambitious, what thoughts and feelings will help you, what actions you need to take and what results you will get. This will help with goal setting, prioritisation and decision making – there's even some inspiring motivation for you at the end! ****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3.03 How to get started on a task

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 23:57 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!A lot of PhD students and academics struggle to get started on a task or believe that they can't start until they've got lots of time. In this episode, I show you how to get started on a task, so that you can complete work even when you're busy, with less drama and stress. I show you how some of your thoughts are holding you back and give you three ways to get started on your key tasks. ****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3.02 How to start the academic year

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2024 21:13 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!This week, we're talking about starting a new academic year! This is NOT about goal setting or new resolutions - instead I'm talking about three ways that you can start the year that are more positive and empowering. These are how to harness your strengths, how to predict the future (and why) and how to modify your environment to support yourself to succeed. These are inspired by my How To Start As You Mean To Go on workshop that I ran for my membership a couple of weeks ago – this will be available as a self-paced course soon, so keep an eye out for that! ****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    3.01 How the PhD Life Coach can help you this year

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 19:21 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!We are back for a brand new season and I want to help all of you struggling with procrastination, overwhelm, imposter syndrome, working too much, not working enough, feeling behind, having too much to do or wondering if you want to be doing this at all. In the episode I'm going to give you five FREE ways that I can help you, one nearly free way (ie someone else pays!) and then a couple of options if you're ready to work with me more closely. Check it out! ****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    2.48 Why we should ask if this will make the summary

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 17:33 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!Sometimes we can feel like we have to do everything, that everything is urgent, and we don't even know when to start. Sometimes the best approach is to work out how to be efficient, organise ourselves and get stuff done. Other times, it's worth questioning what we're doing and whether it really matters. In this episode we're going to reflect on creating a "summary" of our careers and asking "will this make the summary?" We can use this perspective to decide what we do and how we do it, so that we can achieve our goals and enjoy the process. This is the last episode of season 2 and we will be back in a few weeks for season 3 and the new academic year! In the meantime, check out some of the back catalogue of episodes that you might have missed or revisit some of your favourites. ****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    Nine lessons the Olympics taught me that help in academia

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2024 28:40


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!Whether you have been watching the Olympics or not, we have so much we can learn from Olympians. Don't worry - this is not going to be the usual "you've got to work harder, you've got to grind" toxic mindset. I am going to share nine lessons that you probably haven't thought about before, that you can use to help you finish your PhD and succeed in academia! ****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    2.46 How to work with the version of you who shows up (with special guest Dr Alison Miller)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 48:12 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!Sometimes we have the best intentions for the work we're going to do, but we wake up just not feeling it. We're tired, we lack focus, we don't think we're in the right frame of mind to work. Sometimes we beat ourselves up and force ourselves to sit down and work and other times we just give up entirely. In today's episode, Dr Alison Miller, of The Academic Writers' Space, tells us why she believes we should learn to work with the version of us that shows up. She takes us through some simple exercises that we can use to first understand and then potentially modify the way we're feeling so we can achieve our goals while honouring ourselves. ****Alison Miller, PhD is a dissertation coach and academic productivity expert. She is the founder of The Dissertation Coach, a coaching and consulting company that has helped over 14,000 graduate students earn their degrees, She is also the founder of The Academic Writers' Space (TAWS), a virtual coworking community designed for academic writers who want to work effectively and sustainably. Alison recently transitioned to running TAWS full-time. She is dedicated to the success and well-being of graduate students and academic writers everywhere. Learn more about Alison and the coworking community she founded at: https://www.theacademicwritersspace.com/Find her on social media at: https://flow.page/taws****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    2.45 Why we should all be more intentional and resourceful (and how!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2024 22:46 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!You ever feel like you get to the end of the week and you have no idea what you did, you've been busy but you definitely didn't do the things that you wanted to get done and the week just seems to have got away from you, then you are in exactly the right place. Today I'm going to be thinking about how to be more intentional so that you achieve your goals and enjoy your life and more resourceful so that you can get the support you need! ***I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    2.44 What to do when you get contradictory advice

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2024 40:18 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!PhD students and academics often wonder how to handle contradictory advice and how to decide what to do. In this episode I think about what makes contradictory advice feel so challenging and I give you some questions to ask yourself to help you decide what you're going to do. ****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    2.43 What to do when you can't judge how long things take

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 23:48 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!So many people tell me they struggle to plan because things always take longer than they anticipated. They then end up not following their plan because things run over and they get disheartened. Sometimes they stop planning entirely because it feels pointless. If that sounds like you, I've got you! In this episode we'll talk about why it's hard to judge how long things take and how to get better at it, so that we can learn to plan and to stick to our plans. ****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    2.42 Eight ways you might be secretly procrastinating

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 32:07 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!Procrastinating is when we scroll social media instead of working, right? No! Procrastination is anything that we do to avoid the emotions associated with doing the task we intend to do. In this episode, I will share eight things that I think are often used as procrastination and help you figure out what to do if you recognise yourself in this! I suspect we all will...****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    2.41 Why we all need to be more encouraging and accepting of ourselves

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2024 28:18 Transcription Available


    Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!This is for anyone in academia who struggles with self-criticism and judgement (ie most people!) My series "how to be a better boss to yourself" introduces 10 qualities that we need to nurture in ourselves to support ourselves to achieve our goals and enjoy our lives. In this episode I talk about being more encouraging and accepting of ourselves. We think about why it's important, how to do it, and what impact it would have in our lives! If you like this one, make sure you also catch up with part one where we talk about being more compassionate and more curious. ****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends!I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    2.40 How to use a Do Know Don't Know list

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2024 27:00 Transcription Available


    2.39 How to be your own best personal assistant

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2024 36:55 Transcription Available


    If you ever feel disorganised, chaotic or behind, then maybe you need to spend time in "personal assistant" mode! In the episode, I discuss how to help prepare for your future self, to make tasks feel easier, more organised and even more pleasant. I explain how to use this approach to be more productive and help you work more effectively - and why it can feel so good!****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends! I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    2.38 Why we should all be more compassionate and curious (One of the "Be Your Own Best Boss" Series)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2024 28:22 Transcription Available


    If you beat yourself up or tell yourself that you don't know what you should do, then I am going to help you be a better boss to yourself! This is the first in a series of episodes identifying qualities that we all need to try and nurture so that we can be give ourselves the support we need to succeed and enjoy our lives. In this episode I talk about compassion and curiousity! ****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends! I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

    2.37 Why you should never read when you're writing

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2024 23:03 Transcription Available


    So many of my clients this week have been struggling with writing. Now that's not unusual. But what has been unusual is how they've all identified the same issue with writing. They talked about settling down to have a block of writing where they decided what they were going to do. And started writing, and then realized there was a little detail that they couldn't remember, or an argument they wanted to check, or something they just wanted to look up.And so they'd get the article, they'd check, and then they'd find themselves in a rabbit hole, disappearing off, looking up new things, finding out the details, and sort of plunging off into that literature. And then, before they knew it, their two hour block had gone, they'd written a hundred words or something, and spent the rest of the time reading.And when I shared with them what I'm going to share with you guys today, the words You've blown my mind have come out more than once this week. It didn't strike me as being that revolutionary, but it seems to have been. This is in one to one coaching. This is in the workshops that I offer. This has come up several times this week. And so I wanted to share it with you. So if you find yourself reading when you're intending to be writing, This episode is for you.****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. My weekly podcast, The PhD Life Coach covers the most common issues experienced in universities, including procrastination, imposter syndrome, and having too much to do. I give inspiring and actionable advice and often have fun expert guests join me on the show. Make sure you subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.If you already listen, please find time to rate, review and tell your friends! I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.#phd #academia #lecturer #professor #university #procrastination #overwhelm #amwriting #writing #impostersyndrome #timemanagement #support #coaching #highereducation #research #teaching #podcast #community

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