In honor of Friday
the 13th, let's consider luck and your dissertation. The Oxford Online Dictionary defines
"luck" as "success or failure apparently brought by chance
rather than through one's own actions." How does this relate to your
dissertation? In my opinion, very little
of your dissertation work relates to luck; rather it is predominantly related
to your own actions and work.
Let's consider just
a couple of possible lucky aspects of dissertation work. First, there is your dissertation chair. Often you don't know this faculty member
until you're already in your dissertation class, so how you two relate may be
just luck. There are of course, some
ways to aid this relationship, for example, frequent meetings or phone calls
will help clarify expectations. If you
find that, you are incompatible with your chair you may want to consider
searching for a new one.
Second, your choice
of dissertation topic has a component of luck involved. You may pick something that is difficult to
research, has little literature support, or be something that causes you
emotional pain or with which you become bored.
For these reasons, it is important to listen to your committee and be
open to changes if needed.
Third, your URR is assigned by
the research center; you have no control over this so it really is luck as to
who is assigned. Remember, they're there
to help you; try to remain professional in your interactions. If you experience a great deal of problems
with this person, consider requesting a conference call between you, your chair,
and your URR.
While there is an
element of luck during the process, most of your progress is really up to you.
Keep writing! I'm attaching a photo of Mandy and Murphy wishing you luck in
your writing!
Next time, I will start your break with a return to the
topic of resiliency and discuss developing a positive mindset. Do you have an issue or a
question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Send me an email
with your ideas. leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu
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