Sabotage

Are you sabotaging your dissertation progress? Do you find everything in the world to do other than writing? Just have to clean that thing that has been sitting there for 6 months, and can’t wait a moment more? How about convincing yourself that it is ok to visit your favorite websites instead of the library?

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:

Stadtlander, L. (2015). Finding Your Way to a Ph.D.: Advice from the Dissertation Mentor. CreateSpace Printing.

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.  

Next time we will consider getting some support through your dissertation process. 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