If I could start my PhD over again, here are the things I’d do differently, and maybe they’ll help you, too: 1. Take more time choosing the right supervisor. Not just someone respected in the field, but someone whose mentorship style aligns with how I learn and work. A good fit makes the journey smoother. 2. Create an organized research system from day one. I’d use tools like Notion or Obsidian to track ideas, readings, and drafts. Future-me would thank me during crunch time. 3. Block out weekly “thinking hours.” Time with no meetings, no admin, just space to connect the dots. Some of my best insights came from moments like these, when I actually gave myself permission to slow down. 4. Celebrate small wins along the way. Whether it’s finishing a draft, receiving feedback, or just showing up on tough days. Documenting progress helped me see how far I’d come. 5. Seek community beyond my department. Online groups, writing sprints, PhD discord or slack groups, having peers who get it ...