I asked one of my dissertation coaching clients if he planned to make any resolutions for the New Year.
He said, “I make changes throughout the year.”
He has a long-term plan in place and makes changes as needed. What great planning!
If you also have a plan in place that is working for you, congratulations! Keep it going.
But for most of us, even if our writing plan or dissertation plan is working, some midstream adjustments might be needed.
We need all sorts of support and reminders to keep the action going.
As you consider making resolutions for 2008, consider first where change would be the most effective and then how you could put a few check points in place.
Here are 5 tips to make sure this year’s plan is solid and well supported:
1. Make a list of the areas of your dissertation where you have control.
2. Check where you could fine-tune those areas. Which are priorities? Which can you let go of for now?
3. What one aspect of your dissertation process have you been avoiding? Pivotal changes usually come from small steps.
4. Buddy up with a resolute partner. Who do you know who is determined to finish a writing project or to help you finish? What are you waiting for?
5. Put check points in place, such as weekly calls, a timetable for submitting work, or notes to yourself in your calendar. Anticipate times where you think you’ll have challenges. Every two months or every three months? Every week?
Sometimes the work becomes a bit bogged down and without clear check points in place, we miss (or avoid) looking at what adjustments are needed.
Resolutions are terrific, but we need added measures in place to keep us honest.
We all mean well, but, heck, we’re human. If there’s a way out or a way to slow down, we’ll probably take that route.
But not this year!
All good wishes, with hope and gratitude thrown in, too. Let me know if I can help. Here’s wishing you a happy and productive 2008.
Nancy
Your Dissertation Coach
nancy @ nancywhichard.com