The Best Dissertation is a Done Dissertation. (And How to Get There!)

By Dani Babb, PhD

As a graduate student, you may have heard the phrase "the best dissertation is a done dissertation". While this statement is true, it's easier said than done as you likely already know. Writing a dissertation is a daunting task that requires a significant amount of time, effort, and perseverance. In this article, I will take a closer look at some of the common issues that graduate students face when writing their dissertation and provide some strategies for overcoming them.

Fear of Failure

Fear of failure is a common obstacle that many graduate students face when writing their dissertation. The pressure to produce a high-quality piece of work can lead to self-doubt and perfectionism. However, it's essential to remember that failure is a natural part of the learning process. No one produces a perfect dissertation on their first attempt. Learning from failure is how we grow and improve.

One way to overcome the fear of failure is to focus on progress, not perfection. Set small, achievable goals for yourself and celebrate your successes along the way. Keep in mind that your dissertation does not need to be perfect. Strive for excellence, but recognize that perfection is an unrealistic and unattainable goal. We also have coaches available to help over this mental hurdle as well. (((JOE link to contact us form until we have Nicole's stuff up)

Procrastination

Procrastination is another common issue that many graduate students face when writing their dissertation. It can be challenging to motivate yourself to work on a long-term project with no immediate deadline. However, procrastination can quickly lead to a situation where you're running out of time and scrambling to finish your work before your deadline.

To overcome procrastination, it's essential to establish a regular writing routine. Set aside specific times each day or week to work on your dissertation and stick to them, even if it means sacrificing other activities in the short-term. Use tools such as timers, calendars, and to-do lists to help you stay organized and on track. Sometimes you'll also need to loop family and friends in on your plan. Personally, I found the best time to work on my doctoral study was when everyone else was out having a good time and I had a quiet house to myself (sad but true! I don't regret it!)

Lack of Support

Writing a dissertation can be a lonely and isolating experience. Many graduate students report feeling unsupported by their peers, advisors, or department. However, it's crucial to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to support graduate students, such as writing centers, peer support groups, and online forums.

One way to overcome the lack of support is to seek out community and connection. Connect with other graduate students in your department or field, join a writing group or accountability group, or seek out a mentor or advisor who can provide guidance and support. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Join our Facebook group for students too if you like!

 

Join our Facebook group!

Perfectionism

Perfectionism is a common issue that many graduate students face when writing their dissertation. The desire to produce a high-quality piece of work can lead to an obsessive focus on details and an unwillingness to move forward. However, perfectionism can be a barrier to progress and can lead to writer's block and procrastination. When conducting data analysis, we often refer to this as analysis paralysis.

To overcome perfectionism, it's essential to set realistic goals for yourself and focus on making steady progress. Break your dissertation into smaller, more manageable tasks, and tackle them one at a time. Use tools such as outlines and drafts to help you organize your thoughts and ideas. Recognize that your dissertation does not need to be perfect and that it's okay to make mistakes.

Writing a dissertation is a challenging and often overwhelming task, but it's important to remember that the best dissertation is a done dissertation. To overcome the common obstacles that graduate students face when writing their dissertation, focus on progress, not perfection, establish a regular writing routine, seek out support and community, and recognize that failure is a natural part of the learning process.