You always have something to report

Previously I posted about the importance of written reports before and after weekly meetings with Ph.D students and postdocs. I think it is worth re-reading.

One thing students sometimes struggle with is "But, I dont have anything to report. I have been working on problem X and made no progress."

I think this is when a detailed and specific report is even more important. The difficult process of writing down the specifics of what you have been trying to do and why it has not worked can really focus your attention and clarify the way forward. Even if you don't see it your supervisor may. But, if they don't have the concrete specifics it is hard to help.