Are you having trouble getting started with today’s session on your dissertation?
As you ready yourself to write, do you hear those voices again—those critters that harangue you. . . . the naysayers, the resisters, the thwarters in your head that chatter and prattle and try to protect you from that dangerous activity of writing?
The slightest signal pointing to some anxiety or uncertainty on your part can set them off. It may be a signal you’re not even aware of, but they’re at the ready. It doesn’t take much. They want to warn you away– don’t go there, they say.
But you don’t need the protection of all of those naysayers.
You have many strategies at your disposal to help you through these moments when you’re a little scared or hesitant about your writing or about getting started with your writing. For one, you have the image of you at your best. But maybe you need some more strategies.
Remember who you’re dealing with—you! You not only have the shrieking naysayers in your brain, but you also have the wiley coyotes. They –and you–are crafty. You have all sorts of tricks that will delay or help you to avoid writing So first of all, make a deal with yourself. Negotiate with yourself how long this one writing session will be.
Want a suggestion?
That old saw of “write 15 minutes a day” is a wise one, but you get to choose. Just make it a realistic, manageable length of time.
Then set a timer—any kind of timer will do, but set it and start writing. Do not stop until the timer pings.
Dubious? Try it just as an experiment. Improvise with it. See if the timer can help you get started and then keep you writing for a while.
My dissertation coaching clients tell me this strategy works.
Let me know how it works for you.
Best to you,
Nancy
Nancy Whichard, PhD, PCC
Your International Dissertation Coach and Academic Career Coach
nancy @ nancywhichard.com
www.nancywhichard.com
www.nwcoaching.com
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