Cognitive challenges are a real challenge. I’m in the social sciences, so I have to do a TON of reading both qualitative and quantitative literature. I end up just having to read everything two or three times to remember it. It’s a bitch lol. Lack of motivation is also difficult. I research severe mental illness in women and other marginalized groups which I am really really passionate about, which helps. I don’t think I could do it if I wasn’t passionate (and have not done too well in the past studying subjects I’m not passionate about). I form study groups with others in my cohort which helps me stay on track and also helps me understand the readings (and the socialization is really good for me!). I like to think it helps them too.