Last time I discussed how to create a positive habit related
to your dissertation – today let's consider what negative habits you may
already have created within yourself. Close your eyes and visualize sitting
down to work on your paper- notice how you are feeling. Do you sense anxiety?
Any negative feelings there they may be leading to procrastination? If only
positive feelings are present – congratulations! Run along and work on your
paper! However, if you did experience any negative feelings, hang around and
let's talk for a moment.
To state an obvious point – you are engaging in
self-defeating behaviors and you need to figure out some ways to stop them. I
have some suggestions for you- get the book The
Power of Habit: Why we do what we do in life and business by Charles
Duhigg. Begin setting up some positive associations between your dissertation
and things you love- what those are is up to you (the book can help) - but you
want to create an atmosphere of excitement and pleasure to come to mind with
your paper. If you have had some bad experiences with your paper, this may be
influencing things- take positive actions to correct them. Some suggestions –
go to a dissertation intensive (see the residency website for more info), find
someone you know that was an English major and writes well- ask them to help
you edit your paper or hire an editor (see suggestions on the Walden Writing
Center website). Consider taking one of the short writing courses offered by
the Writing Center. Do Something! Take positive action and break the negative
cycle you have established.
Next time I will discuss facing your fears. Do you have an issue or a question that you
would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer?
Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu
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