Many thanks.
I am grateful to all the scholars, researchers, supervisors, students, and inquisitive thinkers who purchased the book Research Made Easy. I appreciate your reading it and using it in your research journey. The book made it into Nuria Bookshop’s Top 100 Books of 2025 thanks to you. That is more than just a ranking; it represents a subtle distinction in how we conduct research.
As a researcher and supervisor, I have seen far too many capable students suffer because no one ever made the effort to slow down the process for them.
If you have already purchased the book, I welcome you to share your experience. What has changed for you? What made sense? Where has clarity replaced confusion? Your story could be the encouragement that another student sorely needs.
And if you haven’t purchased the book yet, I kindly ask that you click this link and buy https://nuriakenya.com/product/research-made-easy-a-practical-guide-from-topic-selection-to-final-thesis. Not because research is simple, but rather because it doesn’t have to be perplexing, intimidating, or paralyzing.
Why Procrastination Is Not Laziness
Now, let us be honest.
This is not an article about lazy students.
It is about good students.
Students who are fully committed.
Capable students.
Students who attend class.
Who submits proposals.
Who read ceaselessly.
And yet, somehow, fall behind.
Because procrastination in research is rarely about time constraints.
It is all about weight.
Research is heavy.
Heavy with expectations.
Heavy with the fear of not being original enough.
Heavy with supervisors’ comments written in red.
Heavy with statistics that refuse to cooperate.
Heavy with literature that never seems to end.
And when the mind is overburdened, it causes delays.
“I will start tomorrow.”
“Let me read one more paper.”
“I need to feel more ready.”
“I work better under pressure.”
Quietly, days become weeks.
Weeks become months.
And a student who once loved learning is now tired, ashamed, and stuck.
When Research Becomes Emotionally Heavy
This is research tiredness.
Not burnout from overwork, but weariness caused by overthinking and underproducing.
It’s an open laptop.
Tabs all around.
Cold coffee.
And the mind is cloudy.
I have witnessed this moment in silent emails sent late at night, supervision sessions, and postgraduate seminars.
Intelligence is no longer the issue.
It gets emotional, psychological, and even existential.
“Perhaps I’m not suited for this.”
“Perhaps others are more intelligent.”
“Perhaps my topic is incorrect.”
“Perhaps I ought to stop.”
As a result, good students fall behind—not due to a lack of aptitude, but because research has quietly taken control of them.
How Good Students Recover
This is the reality that we hardly ever express out loud:
Brilliance does not defeat research.
Momentum defeats it.
Progress, even if flawed, is the antidote to tiredness.
Motivation is not the first step in recovery.
It begins with structure.
One clear question.
One well-stated problem.
One manageable portion.
One honest page.
Not perfection.
Movement.
Punishing oneself doesn’t help you overcome procrastination.
Regaining clarity is how you recover.
Resting indefinitely won’t help you overcome exhaustion.
Working smarter, not harder, is how you conquer it.
Additionally, you don’t rush to catch up.
You catch up by completely changing your perspective on research.
This is precisely why I published Research Made Easy: to demystify research, alleviate unnecessary fear, illustrate that research is a process rather than a monster, and to facilitate a discourse in which you can learn to participate easily.
Years of teaching, supervision, and frequent queries from capable but overwhelmed students inspired the writing of this book.
If research has been overwhelming, confusing, or emotionally draining, I invite you to get a copy of the book. Allow it to walk beside you, step by step, as you regain clarity and momentum.
A Final Word to the Stuck Researcher
If you’re behind, pay close attention to this:
You’re not running late.
You’re not incapable.
You’re not by yourself.
You need to adjust your strategy at this moment.
Change is possible.
If you have already read Research Made Easy, please leave a comment with your thoughts. Someone who is silently struggling might find courage thanks to your testimony.
If you haven’t bought the book yet, now is the time.
Invest in clarity, confidence, and forward movement.
Research can be learned.
Momentum can be rebuilt.
And your academic story is far from over.
Start again.
Start small.
But start today.
Her other books include:
The Winning Strategy.
A practical guide to strategic thinking and organisational success — for leaders, managers, and strategy students who want clear steps to build and execute winning plans. https://nuriakenya.com/product/the-winning-strategy-by-dr-mary-mugo
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An essential marketing communication handbook — for entrepreneurs and communicators who want to create messages that engage audiences and convert them to customers. https://nuriakenya.com/product/communicate-to-convert-your-ultimate-marketing-communication-guide-by-dr-mary-mugo
Dissecting the Heart of Leadership
A grounded leadership guide with actionable lessons — for new and experienced leaders seeking skills to lead teams with purpose, confidence, and clarity. https://nuriakenya.com/product/dissecting-the-heart-of-leadership-by-dr-mary-mugo
Growing a Business Empire
A roadmap for sustainable business growth and succession — for business owners and founders who want to scale, future-proof, and pass on their legacy. https://nuriakenya.com/product/growing-a-business-empire-by-dr-mary-mugo
You can purchase her books on Amazon, at KISA Bookshop in Thika, or at Nuria Bookshop on Moi Avenue in Nairobi.
The author is a Senior Lecturer, Seasoned Trainer & Consultant, and Author of Six Books, including Research Made Easy. She consults and trains on Strategy, Governance, Leadership, Team Development, Business Essential Skills, and Business Development Services(BDS). She can be reached at +245733297287 or at info@marymugo.com.