Many readers of Successful Writing Tips are looking for help with motivation. And they also are interested in what mental toughness has to do with motivation.
As a dissertation writer, you may often find yourself in chaos, frustrated, with no easy way out. You’re not alone. Many other writers find themselves in a similar predicament.
A good way through such frustration is to rely on your mental toughness, your perseverance, and your determination.
Several years ago when I first wrote in this blog about mental toughness, I focused on Steve Nash, the NBA basketball player. Nash epitomizes mental toughness. A relatively small man in an aggressively physical sport, he has decided that he won’t let the rough play and attempts to intimidate bother him. He remains unflappable. I am sure that he likes the salary that comes with his job, but I don’t think a salary alone can give him the obvious zest and love for the game that he displays year after year.
I’m learning a lot about motivation and self-regulation from a class I’m taking from Heidi Grant Halvorson, PhD, a terrific teacher and also an expert in the study of goals and the science of motivation.
Mental toughness, like willpower and other forms of self-regulation, takes practice and grows stronger with use. It can also be exhausted. Halvorson says that you can “catch” mental toughness and self-control by thinking about or observing a person who has it in abundance.
Rather than feeling fearless and being motivated in part by their mental toughness, many ABD’s tell me that what motivates them is fear, particularly fear of failure.
If you don’t feel mentally tough now, can you imagine yourself becoming mentally tough as you write your dissertation? I’d love to hear what you think.
In a future post I’ll write about two amazing people who exhibit incredible motivation, perseverance, and all-around mental toughness. I think you will be inspired by them as I am.
To my friends, family, and coaching clients in the U.S., Happy Fourth of July!
I’m spending the holiday with some members of my family. To those of you who I won’t see at this time, I hope to catch up with you soon.
Warmly,
Nancy
Nancy Whichard, Ph.D., PCC
Your International Dissertation Coach and Academic Career Coach
www.smarttipsforwriters.com
http://www.dissertationbootcamp.net
http://www.nancywhichard.com
nancy @ nancywhichard.com