Getting to the finish line: Three things you should be doing now
The path to a completed dissertation is in many ways unique to each student. By the time you start working on your proposal, you will hopefully have already identified a few strategies that make youa more effective researcher and writer. Conversely, there are some habits that most successful graduate students have in common. I will highlight here three of them:
- Write at least 5 days a week. Whether you are brainstorming, outlining, writing a first draft, revising or going through final edits, it is fundamental to spend some time almost every day on your writing, even if you only have 30 min. Regular practice will make you a better scholarly writer, but most importantly, you will be able to keep your ideas connected and better organized. Not having to play catch up all the time will make your life easier and the writing process will go a lot faster.
- Make a regular “date” with your dissertation. We all have busy lives with many competing responsibilities. It is very common for graduate students to spend days without doing their research, writing or any other dissertation related tasks. Other things get in the way. That must not happen. As you plan your week, month or semester, your calendar should have blocked periods of time a few times a week dedicated to your project. Be realistic given your individual time constraints, but always commit to that planned schedule like you would with your job and/or family responsibilities.
- Find your accountability person or team. While it is obviously very important to stay in regular contact with your advisor and other mentors, having weekly, or sometimes bi-weekly accountability checks with a peer or coach can make all the difference and keep you on track. Did you follow through with your weekly plan? Did you reach your writing goals? Did you complete your list of deliverables? Knowing that somebody will hold you accountable at regular intervals is a powerful motivator. Finally, your accountability person (or team) can serve as a sounding board to troubleshoot, brainstorm ideas and identify better strategies to help you move forward.
Dissertation by Design coaches are here to help develop a plan that works for you and be a part of your team.