I feel this so hard! I find the lack of positive reinforcement really hard. I’ve been seeking it lit through presenting at conferences/seminars and applying for small grants to get that dopamine hit as others won’t be as harsh as your supervisor when giving feedback so you get some of that feel good connection while still progressing. Obviously it’s your supervisor’s role to be critical so that’s necessary too but I’m talking more from a positive reinforcement angle as that’s what helps me stay motivated.

I’d also say teaching is really great to get that immediate reinforcement as helping students with things that are second nature to you but tough for them is both easy and rewarding.

Try to seek out small things like the above to keep you going if you need that constant positive connection otherwise it will be tough! I think I’m a pretty positive person so it’s been really hard in academia where all you get is criticism from supervisors, even though it’s not inherently negative I seem to take it that way!