A reMarkable Issue!

Well, this may be a time when procrastination has paid off. I was organising my files on my reMarkable tablet when I realised the Archived Files folder was missing. I could not find it on the device, the desktop application, or online via my.remarkable.com. However, I can still archive files from the device which is very strange.

I contacted reMarkable using the chat function, and after a while of them trying to convince me that the folder exists, I sent them a picture of my folder structure. The Archive folder was missing so they will be looking into this. I can’t believe this hasn’t been reported before, but at the same time, it’s nice to have discovered a real issue. Hopefully, this can be resolved quickly, as I have no idea what files I have archived!

On top of this, I cannot believe that Apple is removing the Advanced Data Protection security function! Back to locally stored files 😦.

Post-Residential Reality Check 📚

Back home after an intense and motivating residential week. It’s always a boost being around others on the same journey—sharing ideas, tackling challenges, and keeping each other accountable.

Now comes the real challenge: transitioning back to independent study. No structured timetable, no immediate peer support—just me, my plan, and the discipline to stick to it. The momentum is strong now, but the key is maintaining it.

Time to put my Be strategic motto into action. That means setting clear goals, structuring my study time, and staying ahead of distractions. No room for post-residential procrastination—future me will be grateful for the effort I put in now! I have today spent time reading PhD blogs on the benefits of a research diary – but I need it to be structured. Inspired by my fellow DBA student Keren’s methodological approach to literature review!

Back to Bath University this week!

It’s residential number 3, and it will be another busy week with fellow students on the programme. My motivation will be right up there for this week and it will actually be quite nice to be with others on the same journey.

I just need to be organised during the week and set myself up for success by selecting a topic for the assessment rather than leaving it until after the residential.

Motto for the week: Be strategic.

Planning for the next assessment…

Well, two assessments down, two more to go, and then the taught component of my doctorate is done. I already have the brief for the next assessment, so I could start, but I’m waiting for the residential week to get more detail. One thing I’ve decided is that I cannot leave it to the last minute to start. The stress just builds up, and it’s really not worth it.

I’ve been looking into getting a Brick device (https://getbrick.app/products/brick) to lock social media apps on my phone. It seems like a good option, maybe better than just putting my phone in another room. But I wonder if it does block desktop versions too? That’s the real question.

For planning I’ve decided, that I’ll keep using the Remarkable Pro as it helps cut down on screen time which is easier on my eyes. This week, my main focus is understanding the assessment requirements. The university has kindly provided 40 slides on how to craft the question (casual light reading, of course!), and since the topic can be anything within the subject area, I need to make sure I get it right.

Assessment Completed!

After almost two weeks of non-stop working I actually completed my assessment. The rushed pace was stressful, so much so my jaw hurt constantly. At times like this I blame myself for not starting early enough or not being in the right mind to do it.

I wrote over 8000 meaningful words, without relying on tools to correct my work as I find the re-editing process just makes what I wrote loose meaning. I am adamant that I will not be in this boat again for the next assessment but I know this may be a condition. All I can say is that I have been advised to get tested for ADHD. I don’t think a diagnosis either way would have made me work any better. I do know that taking small steps helps me to reach the bigger goal.

At the moment, I am enjoying my first weekend since Christmas where I don’t need to count down to the submission deadline as I submitted 3 days early. Yay!

Accountability

Welcome to my blog. I am a doctorate student who struggles with studying. More specifically, I struggle with focusing and often find myself getting distracted or simply spending hours on end procrastinating! I do believe I suffer from imposter syndrome which inevitably prevents me from starting the work, creating viscous cycle of panic and regret.