I decided to pursue a Ph.D. While there are many accolades that come with achieving such a goal, there are also challenges. Completing the degree demands mental resilience. Resilience for undertaking research-related aims, as well as the doubt that constantly lingers with me. I consider myself highly ambitious, and I have achieved quite a lot in my short professional career. Nevertheless, every day, some doubts creep into my mind.

Everyone I speak to shares the same feelings, so I feel a bit better knowing it’s part of the process of improving my skills. I decided that instead of worrying, I would accept these feelings and focus on developing strategies to move forward despite them. Some days, my approaches work perfectly; other days, I need a day in bed to spiral. Still, I eventually get back to the task. I have learned that it’s okay to feel doubt while pursuing your goals; it only becomes a problem when you let it control the story.