How
to get back on track? First, I suggest some self-reflection. It is worth taking
some time and thinking about why you are doing these delaying tactics. What it
is that you are really avoiding? Is it facing an empty page? Or maybe it is the
reality that you may get done with your doctorate and have to figure out the
rest of your life? Only you can understand the issues.
Consider
for a moment, all of the years you have spent working toward your degree, all
of the money you have spent. Are you willing to let a paper stop you from
reaching your goal? If it is the post-graduation steps that are worrying you,
than begin doing some research in that area (but limit it, writing is more
important!). One strategy that many find helpful is to set aside 15 minutes a
day as official “worry time.” Set an alarm so you know it won’t last long and
make a list of everything worrying you. If there is something that can be done
now – write out a brief action plan and time table for it. Then set the worry
list aside knowing it will be there tomorrow, so you don't need to spend any
more time on it.
A
few recommendations for specific issues. If
the dissertation process is concerning you, read:
Rudestam, K, J. & Newton,
R.R. (2007). Surviving Your Dissertation:
A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process.
If
it is the writing process, read:
Saltzman, J. (1993). If You Can Talk You Can Write
If
you want to know about post graduate jobs, see the apa.org website. They have
an entire career section, including job postings.
Only
you can make your goal happen, take control of the path to get there.
*This
is a repeat post from my research blog The Transparent Lab http://transparentpsylab.blogspot.com/
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