I'm just like to say I'm (re)starting my Phd in October and I am seriously seriously excited.

I had started it two years ago but coming off the end of my MA I had zero motivation and belief in myself.

But now I've been working on my pre-phd bibliography and can already see a structure to the conceptual model that I just couldn't see last time.

Reading William G Sharpe's "New York Nocturne" has been an inspiration - it made me realise that a successful piece of work doesn't need to be complicated - it simply needs structure, direction, clarity, and honesty. I always thought that inspiration came before application but I've just realised it's the other way round.

Wise words indeed. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that your PhD has to be a masterpiece that will rewrite history. It is merely a training exercise in independent research and so long as you add your little bit to existing knowledge, the PhD will be yours.