Welcome Summer!

Welcome to summer quarter! What are you plans for the next 3 months? Swimming? Vacations? Be sure to take those into account as you write your quarter plan. Lay out what you have planned week to week and decide what you can get done on your dissertation in between. Would you like someone to whisper in your ear ideas of how to get done and keep writing? Pick up my book on Amazon- Finding Your Way to a Ph.D: Advice from the dissertation mentor, 2nd edition. In the book I take you step by step through the process of writing your paper, discuss how to deal with committee members and the IRB, and even offer suggestions on how to get a job when you are done.

Next time, I will post an updated blog index. 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

Stretching

Jed is ending our break series by reminding you to stretch yourself! Keep learning new research methods, read articles, and learn new analysis techniques. You are never "done learning."

What would help you to reach your future plans? Perhaps you could teach a class in a community college to get experience. Maybe you could volunteer to work with your population of interest, so you can hear from them what they see as problems or issues. Keep stretching your knowledge and experiences, so you are ready when your future arrives!

Next time, we will welcome summer! 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

Sleep

Mandy is reminding you of the importance of getting enough sleep. You do not function nor think well on insufficient sleep. The National Institute of Health recommends at least 7-8 hrs. per night, if you are not getting that perhaps you need to consider some self-care!

Perhaps taking a day of rest (and really do it!) is in order for you. Remember, completing a dissertation is a marathon not a sprint, you must take care of yourself to get to the finish line!

Next time, we will consider stretching yourself. 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

Ignoring negatives

In the attached photo, Jed the cat is telling Mandy about his superiority and his plan to take over the world. Remember this photo when people begin questioning your abilities or your future plans. They know no more about your capabilities then Jed is able to fulfill his world domination plans.

The only one who can make your future happen is you! You will reach your goals by working diligently every day, asking for help when you need it, and listening to your mentors. Take one step at a time and ignore the people who whisper negatives in your ear!

Next time, we will consider the need for sleep. 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

Stay positive!

Today, Mandy is reminding you to stay positive! It is easy to begin thinking negative thoughts about yourself and believe that you are not capable of completing your doctorate. Find yourself a support group of peers working on their dissertation. Be a support for each other, giving encouragement and reminding you why you are doing this!

You may also consider writing out a dissertation statement and putting it on your desktop where you will see it every day, such as: "I am a strong, intelligent, capable person; I will complete my dissertation and have a Ph.D. after my name."

Next time, we will consider ignoring negative comments. 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@mail.waldenu.edu

Disagreements

Today Mandy and Murphy are reminding you that sometimes even the best of friends have disagreements, so it is not surprising if you disagree with your faculty mentors sometimes.

Avoid arguing as much as you can! Write out your position; let it sit for a day then email it to them. If they still disagree, you have two choices. Accept what they are saying and move on or you can continue to fight it. If you are considering this option, ask yourself, is this thing worth holding up my progress? If you say no, then accept the faculty's position and move on. If it is something you cannot let go, you may need to consider changing faculty mentors. This is not to be taken lightly, your new mentor may insist on new changes and may not be any easier with which to work. Discuss such a decision with a faculty member, administrator, or your academic advisor. Consider it carefully.

Next time, we will consider staying positive. 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

Take a break!

As today begins our summer break, my dogs, Mandy and Murphy would like to give you advice over the next two weeks!

Today Mandy and Murphy want to remind you to not take yourself so seriously! Take a step back from the computer and consider how silly humans look from your dog's (or cat's) point of view. They see you spending hours every day in front of a lit box, while ignoring the delicious smells in the yard.

Take a few minutes to enjoy the weather. Go for a walk and laugh with your dogs!

Next time, we will consider disagreements. 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