Do
you feel sometimes like you have lost your motivation? Today I am going to
suggest some ideas to help you find it again. Do you have a dissertation
journal? If not, now is the perfect time to start one- write down how you are
feeling, try to determine what exactly is bothering you- do you feel
frustrated? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Describe why and how it makes you
feel. Then the important next step is to write down why you originally started
this process. What led you to be in graduate school and working on your
dissertation? What led you to select the topic that you did? Now you need a
plan, how will you work through your current emotions to get to where you want
to be? If you need help on this, your chair should be a great resource. You
need a definitive plan to move forward! Some ideas to consider- working with
the writing center (talk to your chair about the writing center's developmental
editing service). Consider a writing intensive- this is a 4-day retreat with
faculty to help you write (see the residency website). Get a dissertation coach
(this doesn’t have to be formal, a friend or mentor can be in this role- set
weekly goals and be accountable to them).
Another suggestion is to use affirmations to help keep you
going. Something like – "I am intelligent, creative, and capable- I will
complete my dissertation and be Dr. (your name)." Tailor it to fit your
needs. Then say it to yourself frequently. Write it out and post it near your
computer, make it your current life's motto.
A final suggestion is to use visualization regularly.
Picture yourself graduating, putting on your cap and gown and walking on the
stage. See yourself receiving your doctoral hood and being called doctor.
Having a hard time seeing it? Attached is a photo of the "new" Dr.
Veronica Semenova being hooded at graduation. See yourself in the picture!
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