Is the emptiness and anxiety of a graduate student in pursuit solely caused by sheer laziness and procrastination?

Dear Question Asker, After reviewing your description, it appears that your issue may be a lack of direction, which can lead to confusion.

Each morning, I would awaken to the realization that I had a multitude of tasks yet to be completed and was uncertain of the optimal starting point. Recalling that I had similarly struggled the previous day, I experienced a profound sense of emptiness. It is, therefore, recommended that you embrace self-compassion.

A postgraduate degree represents a significant challenge to one's self-discipline. This is because, in contrast to undergraduate studies, postgraduate students often have no scheduled classes.

It may be the case that only one or two classes need to be attended per week, with the remainder of the time allocated to thesis preparation or other coursework.

Accordingly, the circumstances described by the questioner may be analogous to those described in some of the responses, namely, the creation of a list of tasks that must be completed immediately and tasks that can be postponed without immediate consequence.

One might inquire as to how one might ascertain which tasks must be completed immediately and which may be postponed.

The optimal timing for completion of the task in question depends on the existence of a deadline. For instance, although the thesis was submitted in the previous month, it would be inadvisable to leave it until the last minute to complete.

A postgraduate thesis is typically several hundred thousand words, making it impractical to complete in a single sitting. It is advisable to write a modest amount on a daily basis and to avoid leaving the thesis until the last minute. Doing so will likely result in a reduction in the thesis's overall effectiveness.

I previously pursued a master's degree in London, UK, and completed two distinct programs. However, I was required to report my progress to my thesis supervisor on a regular basis, which provided a certain level of structure and guidance.

In the case of postgraduate theses, it would be advisable to have a supervisor. However, it is unlikely that they will be overly strict with postgraduate students, given that they are likely to perceive postgraduate students as a group of individuals who are already capable of meeting the standards expected of them.

Should one be unfortunate enough to encounter such a tutor, it is likely that one will experience considerable difficulty.

It is therefore recommended that students with a supervisor should provide them with a progress report at least once a month. This allows for the possibility of re-direction should the student find themselves going in the wrong direction, thus allowing them to identify an alternative topic for rewriting.

Furthermore, many universities require students to submit their papers to an institution for proofreading before they can be accepted. This process can take several days, so it is advisable for the questioner not to leave the paper until the last minute.

A significant number of universities have rigorous standards regarding the submission of academic papers. In some cases, even a single minute of lateness may result in the inability to graduate.

It is therefore imperative to allow sufficient time for the submission of the paper, otherwise graduation may be unnecessarily delayed as a result of personal neglect.

In the case of homework, my previous approach was to commence with subjects in which the student has a high level of competence and comfort, and conclude with those that are more challenging and difficult to initiate. It should be noted that this method is dependent on the individual's circumstances and cannot be universally applied.

Furthermore, this varies from person to person, necessitating the identification of an approach that aligns with one's individual preferences.

It is my hope that the above response is both helpful and inspiring to you. I am the respondent, Tian Tian Xiang Shang 217733.

I would like to express my gratitude to Yixinli for providing me with a supportive environment in which to pursue my studies. I wish you all the best.

Hello. I have had the same experience as you.

I withdrew from the program when I was studying for a master's degree. I was unable to write my thesis and the pressure was too great when I had to change supervisors at short notice.

In hindsight, I should have stayed in school. The difficulties I encountered were mainly in two areas.

One aspect is the lack of support. At that time, my father was not providing me with the financial support I needed, and I felt very hurt.

I am not going to starve to death because my father doesn't give me any living expenses. I have opportunities to earn money, such as a part-time job at school or tutoring. However, this implies that my father doesn't approve of me continuing my studies, which is not the case.

I was going to finish my master's and continue with a doctorate. He doesn't answer my calls and is cold to me when I get home.

This attitude was a major setback for me.

It feels like a thorn in my back. I really have back pain, and it's very serious.

This is a physical manifestation of fear.

The second difficulty is that I am unable to write my thesis. I have done a great deal of preparation, including taking extensive notes, mind mapping, and conducting comprehensive literature searches.

I couldn't get started writing the review. I now know that writing is not done in one go. It needs to be nurtured, a first draft written, repeatedly revised, and finally published.

This is the four-stage process of writing.

I have plenty of ideas, but I'm stuck on the first draft.

But at that time, I was unaware that writing is a process and that it requires patience and persistence.

I am not afraid of being criticized for my writing. In fact, I can't stop writing.

It was a combination of stress and fear, and I was dealing with a serious conflict.

I was under a lot of pressure and in a bad mood. I decided to drop out of school.

You may also be too demanding of yourself or under pressure in some way.

Tell me about your difficulties in the comments. I'll share my experience with you.

It's also possible you're fine, you're not under pressure, and you just need a break.

I'm going to share an exercise I often do to relax and enjoy the moment when it comes to rest.

Being absorbed in an interesting activity is the only way to truly rest.

As Huang Xin states in "Rebuilding the Self through Writing" on page 33,

The specific practice of "enjoying the moment" is:

Be alone, minimize contact with others, act alone, don't talk, don't read, don't watch TV, don't play WeChat, etc. Find something fun to do. What are you looking for?

You need to find something you longed for as a child, something you thought was a bit of a luxury, and that you weren't able to achieve. Now that you're an adult, you're fulfilling your childhood wishes, and you're doing it for yourself.

Do it. Go to the beach alone. Bake bread or make cakes. Eat chocolate and save the wrappers. Let yourself go and do it. Make up for your childhood regrets.

Spending two hours a week doing something you enjoy will release the deep sense of powerlessness and fatigue in your bones. You will feel full of energy and your fighting spirit will be back at its peak.

Hello! I'm smiling.

I understand your questions. I'm here for you.

You feel anxious and confused. You have a lot to do but feel like you didn't do anything the day before. You're also suffering and feeling out of balance.

You said laziness and procrastination caused your problems. You know these will have some influence, but they're not the main cause. There may be deeper reasons you don't know how to face. Could it be failure to graduate or employment?

I have also summarized some methods to help you. I hope they help.

(1) Find the deeper reasons to help yourself and get out of this state.

(2) Exercise relieves pressure.

Rest, don't push yourself too hard, and do some fun things to relax instead of studying all day.

(4) Record your thoughts and feelings in a diary.

(5) Make a list of things you want to do and check them off as you do them.

I love you!

Best wishes!

In reviewing your description, I would like to offer a few suggestions that I hope will be of assistance.

On a daily basis, we experience feelings of emptiness and anxiety, accompanied by a profound sense of helplessness.

It may be in our nature to remain in our comfort zones, as there is a certain comfort in not having to make an effort. However, if you remain depressed for an extended period, your body will send you a warning signal, indicating that if you persist in this state, you will be eliminated by nature.

This sentiment presents an opportunity for personal growth. It encourages introspection, the pursuit of interests, and the discovery of life's purpose and value. It serves as a catalyst for improving one's quality of life.

Every day is a challenge, yet many of us are reluctant to tackle it head-on. Is this simply due to a lack of motivation and a tendency to procrastinate?

There are two types of motivation for learning: internal and external.

External motivation refers to motivation caused by external incentives, such as praise from supervisors, parental expectations, and the desire to excel professionally. Internal motivation refers to motivation caused by internal needs, such as one's own intellectual curiosity, interest in learning, and the desire to improve oneself.

You have numerous tasks to complete. You can create a list of everything you need to do and ask yourself why you are doing it.

Often, our actions are driven by external factors rather than intrinsic motivation. For instance, pursuing a master's degree is often driven by the desire to obtain a degree, losing weight is often a means of conforming to social standards of beauty, and reading is often a means of writing reviews.

Without a clear initial intention and a definite goal, tasks will accumulate and become overwhelming. By defining the purpose and necessity of each task, we can streamline our processes and avoid unnecessary complications.

Is this truly necessary? There is a possibility that you may experience a significant improvement in your condition.

Every day, I am confronted with a multitude of tasks, yet I am reluctant to take action.

In addition to lacking clarity on the objective, we often attempt to achieve too much in too little time. For instance, we may aim to lose ten pounds in a week, learn 200 new words a day, and watch five online courses in one go. Furthermore, we frequently attempt to do all of the above in the same period of time.

It is evident that this is unfeasible. If a task is unattainable, there is no impetus to commence. Furthermore, if one is unable to persevere, it is more prudent to abandon the endeavour. Consequently, year after year, nothing is accomplished.

What is the best course of action?

I believe the following solutions may be beneficial:

1. Modify your self-perception to include the understanding that success requires time and perseverance. Attempt to extend the time frame and continue to do so.

2. Adopt a patient and methodical approach, taking things one step at a time. Prioritise accuracy and completion before moving on to the next task.

3. Do not be overly critical of yourself. It is not realistic to expect immediate success.

Ultimately,

It is beneficial to have long-term goals in mind, but if you have not yet identified them, there is no need to worry. Use this time to develop your strengths and capitalise on opportunities as they arise. Refrain from dwelling on the future; focus on the present.

The future is inherently unpredictable. A minor shift in perspective today could have a significant impact on the trajectory of your career.

Given that the future is uncertain, it is important to appreciate the present and make the most of each day.

With regard to the future, it is advisable to leave it to your future self to decide.

From your description, it is evident that you are currently experiencing anxiety and a sense of emptiness. However, I perceive that you possess a positive and motivated inner disposition.

I am uncertain as to whether your selection of a postgraduate major was based on a genuine interest in the subject matter or if it was a result of external influences.

As previously stated, you are experiencing anxiety regarding the seemingly endless list of tasks awaiting your attention, and you are reluctant to engage in any of them. You perceive a sense of emptiness when reflecting on the lack of action you took the day before. You are experiencing a pervasive sense of suffering on a daily basis.

Please provide your thoughts on the matter.

When one is unable to maintain focus on a particular task, one's thoughts will tend to wander, and one may even attempt to avoid the task altogether. This kind of absent-mindedness will inevitably result in a delay of the task at hand.

In reality, the more anxious one feels, the more one tends to rush oneself, which serves only to amplify one's anxiety. The correct method and attitude towards anxiety is to observe one's emotions as a bystander, refrain from taking any action that might affect oneself, re-establish one's own assessment of anxiety, and engage in cognitive processing about anxiety.

The objective of this process is to identify the underlying irrational belief that is the source of the anxiety.

The following three characteristics are indicative of irrational beliefs.

— Absolute demands refer to the conviction that a given event must occur or not occur in accordance with one's personal desires.

— Overgeneralization represents an unreasonable mode of thinking that extrapolates from a single example.

It is a fallacy to assume that potential outcomes will be catastrophic.

It is essential to identify any irrational beliefs about anxiety and to establish positive perceptions.

It is a fallacy to believe that anxiety can be alleviated through mere thinking. Rather, improvement depends on action.

It is recommended that you record the causes of your anxiety, as well as the issues that can be addressed immediately and those that require further time. Develop a plan for the latter and implement it in a step-by-step manner.

This will provide the individual with a clear objective and motivation to complete the task.

There is considerable uncertainty about the future, and it is not possible to make a definitive prediction about what it will bring. However, it is clear that the future is shaped by the present, and that the most effective way to navigate it is to live in the moment and face challenges as they arise.

It is my hope that this response will prove useful to you.

From your description, it seems like you're feeling a bit stuck and unsure of what to do next. It's totally normal to feel this way when you're facing new challenges. It's like you're waiting for the right moment to jump in and start doing these things, but you know you have to do them anyway, so you put them off.

Once you've identified the reason you're struggling to get started, you can take action! It's likely that you've found the task too difficult, which is totally normal.

Maybe you have set the bar high for yourself and are excited to see what you can achieve. Or perhaps you think your teacher is very demanding and you are eager to prove that you can meet his expectations. Not being able to satisfy him gives you a chance to prove yourself and helps you get started.

Or perhaps it's because you think it's too difficult? You don't think you can face it.

If it is, you can absolutely break it down into small tasks! First, you can list the tasks for the near future and even for the entire semester, and then prioritize them.

Now for the fun part! Take a moment to think about what's important, what you can do slowly, and what you need to get done soon. Then, sort everything from most important to least important. You've got this!

This method is a total game-changer! It turns a lot of pressure into a bunch of manageable, bite-sized tasks that you can absolutely crush. Plus, it's a great way to generate motivation to get those tasks done.

I'd love to know more about your field of graduate study!

Is this field something you love? How does this course of study fit into your future plans?

Sometimes, we choose a job and a major based on what many people say is good, for reasons such as good employment prospects, high evaluation, and popularity. But after choosing, we find that we don't like the course at all—and that's okay!

So, the things that follow may seem overwhelming at first, but remember, there's no going back! Since you've already made a choice, you might as well see what you can do to minimize the damage.

Since you've already made the investment, quitting halfway through just isn't an option! So, take a moment to reflect on why you chose this direction in the first place. What characteristics of it impressed you and made you make the choice?

You can absolutely let yourself face this matter again from this direction, so that you have all the strength you need to support you to the end!

I'm Mulan, a heart exploration coach, and I'm thrilled to be able to help you!

Dear colleague, I hope this message finds you well. I would like to extend a friendly invitation for us to connect in person. Please accept this gesture of affection in the form of a hug. Best regards,

I commend you for recognizing your anxiety and emptiness, as well as questioning your procrastination and laziness.

From your inquiries, I discern that you are an optimistic individual seeking the value and meaning of life. Your ability to recognize your own anxiety and emptiness, and to question whether you are procrastinating and lazy, demonstrates a high level of self-awareness and self-knowledge. This distinguishes you from individuals who are confused, idle, and unaware of their own actions, particularly those who rely on their parents for support.

I empathize with your concerns and reservations. As I approach my fifth decade, I have come to recognize the vast wealth of psychological knowledge and its potential to offer significant benefits to myself and those around me. This has instilled in me a deep desire to learn and to support others in their pursuit of psychological understanding.

As my desire to learn grows, I am forced to confront the limitations of my time and energy, the shortcomings of my memory, and the vast scope of the knowledge I must acquire. This realization often leads to feelings of helplessness and anxiety. I perceive time as passing too quickly, and I feel that I am not utilizing my time effectively. I have a tendency to procrastinate and be lazy.

As a result, I am occasionally dissatisfied with my performance, which can lead to a decline in motivation and a tendency to become less productive. This can create a vicious cycle.

Furthermore, I reflect on my own actions, become aware of my own behavior, and work to improve myself. In the process of reflection and awareness, I discovered that I am overly concerned with perfection and have a strong appetite for knowledge.

"Seeing is healing." When I find myself facing challenges in the pursuit of perfection and knowledge, I combine my current situation with a set of learning plans and goals to guide my actions.

Furthermore, the learning plan and learning goals must be practical, easy to operate, and complete. This facilitates the ability to make choices based on goals.

My advice to you is to be realistic, prioritize your tasks according to importance, and eliminate those that are unlikely to be completed. This will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed and allow you to reduce your anxiety and self-criticism.

You are, in fact, an excellent employee, but you may not be aware of it. Take the time to recognize your own excellence and accept yourself.

I would like to extend my personal and professional greetings to you. The world and I love you!

Good morning, host. From your comments, I understand that you are feeling a great deal of pressure at the moment. You have a sense that there are unfinished tasks from yesterday that you still need to complete, but you are unsure how to proceed and it is causing you a great deal of distress.

As graduate students, you are faced with a multitude of trivial matters each day. Despite the necessity of completing these tasks, you often find yourself approaching them with a lack of enthusiasm. What causes this issue? Despite investing significant time, the results often fall short of expectations.

The inability to manage time effectively is the root cause of these issues. To overcome this challenge, create a daily task list, categorizing items as either urgent or non-urgent. Then, adhere to this list to ensure optimal time management. Implementing this approach will reveal its potential benefits.

The tasks we must complete on a daily basis can be divided into two categories: essential and non-essential. As we often say in time management, there are tasks that must be done and tasks that can be postponed. By creating these two lists, we can improve efficiency, allocate time more effectively, and complete current tasks in a more efficient manner.

In fact, our daily learning is to prioritize the most important tasks and defer less critical or repetitive responsibilities until later. We should selectively forego less essential activities in the present moment and invest our time in more crucial endeavors. This approach allows us to achieve twice the result with half the effort.

As Francis Bacon once observed, "To be good at selecting the main points means saving time, while blindly busy without the main points is just wasting time." This suggests that the ability to manage time effectively hinges on the ability to identify and prioritize essential tasks.

One reason for not learning the essentials is a lack of understanding of what it means to selectively give up. If time is spent on unimportant tasks, there is no time left for important work.

Jack Ma has observed that time management allows us to gain insight into how individuals allocate their time, and therefore their lives. Without a clear understanding of their desired lifestyle, the focus of their studies, and their goals, individuals may struggle to manage their time effectively, making it challenging to achieve the desired level of efficiency.

I hope you find this advice helpful.