January 23, 2008
- Slowing Down Can Actually Translate to Meaningful Progress
In completing a project the length and size of the dissertation, it can be easy to believe that you constantly need to keep moving forward; otherwise you’ll actually be losing ground. It’s like that feeling that you have to keep moving forward or you’re actually falling behind.
That’s actually not the case.
January 19, 2008
- Sometimes You Just Need a Break
Sometimes I just get tired. It can be this way in the dissertation process too, where you make very, very good progress, and you’re working consistently to the goal, and you’re marching to the finish line. Nothing is getting in your way, and nothing stopping you.
That is absolutely the best way to complete this project quickly. At the same time though, I would remind you that you may be juggling multiple responsibilities at the same time
November 10, 2007
- Clarity is Crucial
Now onto the topic of today’s post: Clarity. Clarity refers to being clear. In the dissertation, clarity is crucial. You must first be clear on the boundaries of your project, and then be clear in your communication of these boundaries. You must maintain a forward thinking and lucid approach, both in the conceptualization and in the writing. It’s OK, of course, if you don’t feel clear all the time (who does, really??), but you need to strive for clarity as often as possible. And, when you find clarity, you must take action, accordingly.
May 7, 2007
- Stress Management In Times of Crisis
Sometimes, there are experiences in the dissertation process which become a crisis (or, at least, feel like one.) Examples might be related to your family- as in someone in your family gets sick; or they may be related to the dissertation more specifically; as in your advisor trashes your idea in front of the whole committee, leaving you uncertain about who is friend and who is foe.
December 1, 2006
- Reacting to Criticism
It’s inevitable, really. If you spend time with people, you will get criticized. Not by everyone (hopefully) or about everything (hopefully), but people, by nature, can’t seem to get by without offering (supposedly) helpful advice or feedback.
Let’s get clear on one thing- criticism never feels good. Nobody likes it, especially when it feels unwarranted or [...]
November 20, 2006
- Watch Who You Talk To
I’ve probably said this before……and want to recommend, again, that you be careful in sharing your dissertation process or progress with people who probably won’t understand, and, worse, may make you feel badly about your project.
I was reminded of this today when I shared an idea I had for a new offering….
January 27, 2006
- Be honest with yourself.
One of the best ways to bring yourself into dissertation alignment (you know, that place where you feel clear on what you need to do, and clear that you’re making progress) is to be honest with yourself. If you say you will work on the dissertation, do it. If you miss a day, get back [...]
December 16, 2005
- Get some extra rest…
One really important emotional/psychological element of dissertation success is adequate self care. As a generality, most graduate students hardly have the time or extra energy to devote to good self care. While you are away from the daily schedule of the regular semester, be sure to get some extra rest. If you can, take a [...]
June 8, 2005
- Practice letting go.
One of the biggest challenges in the dissertation process is around letting go. Letting go of your perfectionism, letting go of your fear, letting go of anxiety, and, ultimately, letting go of your project so you can get feedback. Letting go is a skill that can be learned- but, really, most of us aren’t that [...]
May 12, 2005
- Enjoyment is important!
After moving through an _extremely_ hectic schedule over the past 2 months, I suddenly crashed (and it was not pretty.) This reminded me, (and reminded me to remind you) that enjoyment is important to living a happy life. Now, enjoyment & the dissertation might not seem to be mutually concurring, but, as a dissertator, it’s [...]
March 25, 2005
- Eat good food.
Ok- so I know this is a dissertation related blog, but, believe me, eating good food is an important part of a successful (self caring) dissertation process. This came up in high relief for me, personally, over the past few days- I noticed my energy was low and I was feeling kind of cranky. I [...]
February 24, 2005
- Sometimes, enough is good enough!
Ok- I confess… I’m a person who routinely has more stuff to do than I have time to do it in. You might feel this way, yourself, especially if you’re juggling the dissertation, a partner/spouse, children, a home, work, plans for the future… you get the idea. When you’re balancing so many responsibilities, it’s a [...]
January 6, 2005
- No extra points for suffering.
You don’t get extra points for suffering. Your dissertation is not inherently more praiseworthy because you suffered through it. Yes, there may be some personal growth that happens through this process, and that, sometimes, can be difficult. However, the tendency to make it more difficult than necessary, the tendency to deny yourself pleasure or happiness [...]
January 5, 2005
- Accept help graciously.
Consider asking for, and accepting, as much help as you can during this process. Use all the talents and resources of your friends and family. Allow them to help you. Writing a dissertation can be lonely and isolating- not just for you, but also for your family & friends who want to help but just [...]
December 22, 2004
- Feel better first.
If you’re feeling ragged, tired, or irritable, you’re not that likely to make good progress on your dissertation. A better strategy is to do what it takes to feel better, first- and then start working. It’s better to have two hours of focused work rather than four hours of so-so work. The holidays can leave [...]
November 24, 2004
- Take the day off.
At certain times of the year (like now), life seems to speed up. There are more deadlines, more obligations, and normal life seems to require just a bit more energy, focus, and oomph than normal. You might be making plans to travel for the holidays, might have presents to buy, guests to entertain, and who [...]
November 19, 2004
- Even a little bit of self care goes a long way.
Often, graduate students feel that they don’t have "time" to engage in self care. They believe that "self care" takes too long, and takes away from the "focus" on completing the dissertation. I disagree. The only focus that self care detracts from is the focus on suffering. Which is always a good thing.
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November 18, 2004
- Self Care Prevents Burnout.
Self care refers to any activity you engage in which leaves you feeling happier, relaxed, nurtured, and as if your life is pretty good. In a process like the dissertation, self care is a critical component to maintaining a healthy, balanced, and reasonably happy approach about the process. Self care is important for everyone, and [...]
November 8, 2004
- Neediness & the Dissertation
Sometimes, during the dissertation, you might find yourself getting really needy. You need feedback from your committee, you need to finish writing the next section, you need some sleep, and you need to feel like you’re making progress. At times, all these needs bump into one another and leave you feeling stupid and worthless and [...]
October 19, 2004
- Taking Responsibility
Taking responsibility is a form of self care, because taking responsibility for your work and your project enables you to take the necessary actions to get your work done. Sometimes, graduate students wait for empowerment from their advisors, committees, or departments. This approach often results in extreme frustration. If you, alone, take responsibility for your [...]