It can’t be a coincidence that over the last couple of weeks many of my dissertation and writing coaching clients have been dealing with overwhelm. For many, fatigue is now catching up with them and exacerbating their stress level.
When I asked a client what she would like to do, she said, “Work in my yard.” But when I suggested she take an hour to do that, she said, “I can’t! I can’t take time off.”
With a schedule that is packed not only with writing deadlines, but also for some, with end-of-the semester deadlines, stress becomes epidemic.
All of that grading that was on to-do lists but wasn’t done is now sounding an alarm. Grades are due in just a few weeks.
Many writers are worried about getting a draft finished and also holding onto committee members who may disappear into the mist come the end of the semester.
At this time of the year, do you ever feel as if you’re being pecked to death by ducks?
Here are some tips for putting one foot in front of the other that my dissertation clients and writing clients want to share:
1. Keep a daily priority focus.
2. Stay in the present–Keep from being way too focused on the future.
3. One thing at a time–As you work, focus on accomplishing one thing at a time
4. Watch for triggers that make you feel you need or want to be perfect or right.
5. Give yourself a moment every day to think about what is good in your life.
6. Acknowledge your wins–As you remind yourself of your daily priority focus, also acknowledge what you have done.
It’s important for your momentum and for your mental health to do what you said you’d do and also to acknowledge what you’ve done.
Deep breath!
Nancy
Nancy Whichard, Ph.D., PCC
Your International Dissertation Coach and Academic Career Coach
www.nancywhichard.com
www.usingyourstrengths.com
www.smarttipsforwriters.com