A dissertation client told me that that a couple of years ago her professor suggested they plan to publish together. But the graduate student could never get herself to devote even a day to work on this project. She kept putting it off. Now she feels like it will never happen. And why would the graduate student not take advantage of this offer? She said that she was afraid that her writing couldn’t measure up to her professor’s view of her work.
What could possibly stop people from doing work that potentially could rocket them forward in their careers or personal lives?
Many of my dissertation clients have told me that when they were younger they breezed along, always getting good grades, being the whiz kids they knew they were, but then they’ve come up against the dissertation or even a great, but challenging opportunity. Fearing failure or fearing to show that they might be less than perfect, they putter along, doing a little work but never really getting down to it, never finishing, and never taking a risk.
If you don’t want to let a big opportunity slip away, you might ask yourself how important is it to protect your dignity? How important is it for you never to risk failure?
If this is you, it’s time to get clear on what you’re missing out on and what you’re delaying in your life because of excuses and fear.
If you’ve used procrastination as a shield, how were you able to break loose? I’d love to hear from you.
Here’s to finishing and moving on!
Nancy
Your Dissertation and Academic Career Coach
www.nancywhichard.com
P.S. My newsletter Smart Tips is ready to go out. To sign up, go to my website — www.nancywhichard.com. This issue is on procrastination.