> And him saying that it's okay, to take my time, to be compassionate with myself.
Maybe this is part of the issue. In my CS department, when this happens, the advisor has to raise up the problem. Then a concrete solution must be found. For instance, defining concrete steps and deadlines, and possibly stopping the PhD if things really don't go forward.
A lot of people are subject to procrastination, so it's not about blaming and making students feel guilty. But they should be helped, as it's not making the student a favour to let the situation drag forever.
Personally, I also had months of procrastination during my PhD (and still suffers from procrastination, I think it's anxiety related and imposter syndrome). But somehow, I managed to get it done, even though my PhD could have been much better than what it was. I think what helped me most was to have extra tasks to get the ball rolling. For instance, teaching a class: there's a well-defined scope and deadline.
Maybe this is part of the issue. In my CS department, when this happens, the advisor has to raise up the problem. Then a concrete solution must be found. For instance, defining concrete steps and deadlines, and possibly stopping the PhD if things really don't go forward.
A lot of people are subject to procrastination, so it's not about blaming and making students feel guilty. But they should be helped, as it's not making the student a favour to let the situation drag forever.
Personally, I also had months of procrastination during my PhD (and still suffers from procrastination, I think it's anxiety related and imposter syndrome). But somehow, I managed to get it done, even though my PhD could have been much better than what it was. I think what helped me most was to have extra tasks to get the ball rolling. For instance, teaching a class: there's a well-defined scope and deadline.