My opinion is that desire to complete, be time bound, make target schedule, be patience, accept criticism and be positive

Do meditation and connected to GOD.

The persistence and don't give up

The first step is to be fully committed.Many people take up PhD due to their professional compulsions/social recognition etc.Though these are also in the agenda the outlook should be to get the best /highest qualification and in the process undergo the rigors of the course.

Mental and emotional stamina is a must to keep plodding and not get demotivated. A high degree of emotional intelligence will help skirt other issues also which I am not going into details.

I strongly feel that the Ph.D. or doing research is not a routine work like any other works. A researcher has to be passionate about his/her work. it is his /her chosen field so that must keep the researcher motivated. The second thing if the researcher feels that his/her work is worth then all others will support because that positive energy will be radiated. Feeling low and down is a temporary state of mind so researchers must believe in their strength, do meditation on a regular basis, and feel happy. The last piece of advice is - you are finding a solution to a stated problem or problems in which, you and the society will be benefited from your great works, so develop confidence that all other issues are small and solvable. keeping working hard. Remember great things happens with great efforts only. Happy researching.

Payment - deserving and sufficient for a decent living. I know it may seem basic, but I know that it's not obvious for everyone

But I don't have PhD students, just finished my PhD recently. But I am certain that I wouldn't be successful if not for scholarships.

Thank you so much Dr Joachim Kowalski for your contribution, I agree with you that financial support is a key.

Thank you so much Dr Sanjay Kumar , you have mentioned to very important points

Thank you so much Dr Krishnan - Bhatt , Al-Baraa ABDULRAHMAN Al-Mekhlafi , for your valuable contribution .

Thank you very much Dr Tanvir Singh , Harikrishnan U for your comments.

I would suggest trying a gamified approach to the work and writing by applying some motivational techniques. Using an app like 'Habitica' to create a ToDo list can help many candidates to develop 'good habits' such as writing every day and organise their work and studies.

Once you commit to writing, say, at least 5 minutes a day it is such a small thing to do that even on a 'demotivated' day, this can be achieved. Of course, if you wish to write more - do so. Then you will find that you do not wish to 'break the streak' and writing becomes a daily habit.

I believe that these sort of simple motivational techniques can keep PhD candidates engaged and, most importantly, working towards their PhD every day.

Thank you so much Dr Steven Markham for valuable contribution.

All the PhD students must have to spend their time with their family members as well their close friends those always boost your moral and confidence rather than discourage you. This action of activities will definitely boost the motivation during PhD and one should always push towards to finish it on time.

Thank you very much Dr Tanvir Singh for your continuation, totally agree with you that family members are very important in boosting the motivations during Phd journey.

All the Ph. D Candidates must be passionate about his/ her work. Focusing on work provides confidence. candidates must spend the time with their family and friends for sharing thoughts. Ph. D Candidates' dropout rate is about 44%. Reading some motivational books will also help to boost up and push to forward to the work. The objective also plays an important role to complete their Ph. D on time.

Thank you so much Dr Shiv for your contribution.

For me, family comes first which always boosts me up when I feel frustrated, depressed, and lonely. During my PhD, they always hold my hand and also afterward.

I agree with you. Thank you Dr Tanvir Singh

I do agree that social support is very much essential to boost our motivation in our studies. Keeping up our zest, enthusiasm, and perseverance will help us to avoid procrastination and our low spirit in doing our works.

Thank you dear Kulandai Ammal , for sharing your opinion.

YOGA and meditation are the two important sources of meditation.

Thank you dear Tanvir Singh for sharing your opinion.

A very interesting and necessary question - social support is certainly something important: but quite specific, support received from people who also deal with science, preferably in related fields :) otherwise you may feel a lack of understanding, which may not necessarily be helpful. On the other hand, the payment is important - the positive thing is the feeling of financial stability, the disadvantage might be too many responsibilities (if, of course, it does not directly cover the doctorate - e.g. conducting classes, other research, etc.).

Good luck!

Dear Dr Daniel Pankowski your contribution in this discussion is highly appreciated.

Pray to GOD daily and request them that without any hurdle give me the courage to complete this on time.

Before taking up doctoral study

Have a very clear road map of time, resources ,stay ,accommodation, list of the universities, scholarships, eligibility etc. ; well researched and planned.

Some culture, language ,food and key aspects of the place you are going to be familiarized with.

Next the university culture, values and a lot of information not available in website to be taken into account.

Next comes your mental preparation which should be continuous throughout the full duration with high EQ, Endurance, doggedness, persistence and goal orientation.

Last a very Judicious choice of your research proposal and sample choice and tool selection which should be reasonably within your influence circle, reach for data collection, survey, visit, interventions, experiment etc. so as be able to study and research. Ambitious plans without road map depending on chance factors or protocol intricacies are likely to cause delays, obstructions and even denials due to security or policy issues.

Take patience 😌. Do your tasks regularly

Hard work, patience, Enthusiasm,preservance and the self confidence will help a lot.

Thanks All, for the contribution in the form of answers on discussion.

Regards

Scheduling your activities, social support as pointed by Danial and exercising regularly to keep your mind and body fit. Healthy food and a good supervisor and family support are some of the necessary elements for the completion of Phd on time.