===================================================
THE ALL-BUT-DISSERTATION SURVIVAL GUIDE(tm)
Devoted to practical steps for completing
your doctoral dissertation.
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INDEX
1. Ben's note
2. The Dissertation as Xtreme Sport
By Dr. Christopher Gallup
3. Words of Wisdom
4. Inspirational QuoteSUMMARY
=========
In this issue, Dr. Christopher Gallup likens the
dissertation process to a mountain climb and gives
you tips and tools to survive the journey.We round it out with Words of Wisdom & an
inspirational quote.<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>
Ben's Note
June 10, 2004
Dear ABD Survival Guide Reader,
Just a heads up. We will be moving the All But
Dissertation Survival Guide to a new list provider
over the next ten days. (I'm not exactly sure when.)This will be a much more secure, double opt in,
grade AAA service.When we "migrate", I will send you an email. To stay
subscribed, you will need to click on a link in
the email taking you to the web. That's it.Very easy.
But you need to do this to stay in our community.
So keep your eyes tuned for an email
from us.And, as the school year (for some of us) winds down,
be sure to take some time to make a list of the
most positive, important things you've learned
this year.And when you get a chance, go to www.authentichappiness.org
and take the Survey of Signature Strengths. I'll bet you that
one of yours will be "Love of Learning."See you in two weeks!
Warmly,
Ben
============================================
THE DISSERTATION AS XTREME SPORT
By Dr. Christopher Gallup
============================================Climbing the steps to the final degree is a difficult trek. The Chicago
Tribune on 09/21/03 featured a story on how people get blocked and beaten
up by the dissertation. It's a common experience.This dissertation journey has parallels to hiking up a mountain. Both
involve unusual and sometimes extreme discipline and
devotion. For success, both require careful planning and favorable travel
conditions.These conditions involve:
1) A solid financial base — whether through employment, state/school aid,
or family resources to see you through. You need sufficient funds to buy
the right tools, whether it be hiking boots or computer upgrades. Extra
resources are required so you have plenty of time for all the
reading/research/writing you'll need to do.2) A solid knowledge base — whether through formal classes, informal study
or special tutoring to see you through. You need sufficient awareness of
what to look for on the path. This involves familiarity with the people
who've been there and the research they have done. It also requires a
working knowledge of such tools as the compass or computer.
Being "out there" without a good map to get you back on track can be scary
and a big waste of time.3) A solid emotional base — whether through friends, family, spouse,
partner, church, sorority or Brotherhood of Academics to see you through.
You need sufficient personal support to help you carry on when you're
exhausted and filled with doubt. Without this safety net you may give up
before you finish due to irrational fears about ability or worth.For me, the sense of the dissertation struggle may be glimpsed in this
brief climbing account.I had never REALLY considered climbing a mountain. But then, that July,
something snapped. The thought occurred: why not?I bought the book "Colorado's Thirteeners" and checked out what would be
doable and challenging. Peaks rated 3.5 and up were out of
the question—those lower than 2 were too easy. I decided on Pacific Peak
just south of Breckenridge.I called my Friend Joel and he said, "Let's do it." I arrived in Colorado
on July 4, 2002 and was picked up by Joel and his wife Sascha.By 7:05 a.m. on July 6 we are hiking in from the Mayflower Gulch trailhead
at 10,980 feet. It is crisp, not cold. The book describes the 7.2 mile
hike as a class 2 level. We make some detours and it feels like 10
miles; it also feels harder than a "2". But what do I know?—I sit on my
rear all
day.Forever upward from valley to slope to hike and climb. We leave the tree
line behind. Joel hears more and more frequently: "let's take a break."He strides, I more or less keep up. The talus climb is no fun but I
persist. Finally we scramble to the top at about 3:10 p.m. The view is
spectacular at 13,950 feet—but now we have to descend.Coming down I fall and fall again; six or seven times, but who's counting?
My hike involved love of learning and curiosity, and demonstrated my
ignorance as well (e.g. bad shoes). I had no juice left to get down
(climbing books warn about this).My ankle hurt a lot. But what was I supposed to do: call the Alpine Rescue
Team? Stumbling, stopping, resting, walking, weaving Joel helped me down
to the trailhead. I sometimes doubted I'd make it, but I persisted
to the end.Even though my ankle has been painful for many months I value the
experience. Strangely enough the discomfort prompts positive memories and
feelings of pride, satisfaction and gratitude.>From this I relearned several things about the dissertation path.
1) Your graduate work has prepared you for your dissertation climb. I'd
been working out for two months prior to the mountain hike — You've been
doing grad work for 2, 3,4 or more years.2) Not only are you ready but you are an expert in your own right. Your
committee (assuming it's benign) knows this and wants you to succeed. Like
Joel, they've climbed a mountain and do want to help you.3) This thing is to persist. And persist. And continue persisting. The
mountain, that is the dissertation work, is a tremendous challenge. At
times the university, the data/population, your computer, etc. can be
obstacles as well. If it were easy everyone would summit mountains
and be called "Doctor".4) Remember, it is OK to ask for help. In fact, with mountains and big
papers we all need support. From alpine guides, triathletes (Joel),
faculty members and seasoned secretaries to friends and family, everybody
needs direction and warm words. Doing a dissertation can be lonely and we
all can use a little community.5) Finally, we are all going to get bruised along the way. There's so much
energy and time involved in going from proposal to defense. So pursuing
this path of a thousand steps/tasks involves sacrifices and scars. Each
day's walk helps you push past the pains toward the vision of
the final chapter. The summit becomes reachable.Finally as you defend, and when you receive your degree, you'll feel pride,
satisfaction, completion and a belief that it was all worthwhile.You've been there, done it and now can wear the T-Shirt. The long climb is
over; a new journey begins.=======================================
About Christopher Gallup
=======================================Christopher Gallup is a Therapist and Coach in Dallas, Texas. He completed
his Ph.D. at Ohio University in 1980. His interest in outdoor activities
can be seen on his website, http://wwwresultsinaction.com.=====================================
Words of Wisdom
====================================
When I was bogged down writing my dissertation, I tried to
visualize myself walking across the stage receving my diploma. However,
there came a time when that did not work, and I could not see myself
walking up the stairs. I then had an idea for external encouragement. I
taped a picture to the wall from a doctoral robe catalogue. Everytime I
glanced up I pictured myself wearing the robes and walking the walk. I
finished writing my dissertation in 2.5 years.=======================================
Inspirational Quote
======================================="I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position
that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has had to
overcome while trying to succeed."
- Booker T. Washington===================
Your Own Coach
===================If you are considering whether to get your own coach
to help you reach your academic goals, send any email
to: ben16-76471@autocontactor.com=============================
BEN DEAN, Publisher, ABDSG
===============================
Ben holds a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of
Texas at Austin. He is the founder of MentorCoach
(www.MentorCoach.com), a virtual university training
Accomplished mental health professionals to become
extraordinary coaches. With Martin E. P. Seligman,
Ph.D., Ben is also the founder of Authentic Happiness
Coaching (www.AuthenticHappinessCoaching.com), a virtual
university training educators, consultants, trainers,
therapists, parents and other professionals to apply
the principles of Authentic Happiness in their own
lives and in the lives of their clients, students, and
children. Ben lives in suburban Maryland with
his wife and two young children, Walnut, their
hamster, and Rubin, their cocker spaniel.
==================================
RACHNA D. JAIN, Editor, ABDSG
==================================I'm a dissertation coach and licensed psychologist
based in Maryland, with a doctorate from the
University of Denver. I'm the Editor of the
ABDSG, as well as the Author of "Get It Done!
A Coach's Guide to Dissertation Success"
If you'd like to learn more about me or my book, please
visit my website: www.ExcelWithEaseCoaching.com
< http://www.excelwitheasecoaching.com/>If you have
questions about this newsletter, you
can direct them to me: rachna@mentorcoach.comI'm excited to be working with you to meet your academic
goals. You can do it!================================================
THE ALL-BUT-DISSERTATION SURVIVAL GUIDE(tm)
================================================"The All-But-Dissertation Survival Guide"(tm) focuses
on ways to help its readers more readily overcome the
roadblocks that often seem to stand in the way of
completing the dissertation. It is read throughout the
world.===============================================
INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH A DISSERTATION COACH?
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
=================================================Email ben16-76471@autocontactor.com
You'll receive an email outlining the application process,
follow the instructions and submit the form. Your application will
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a free, initial consultation. Various fee plans are available.ABOUT TO GRADUATE?
=====================First, congratulations!!!! Yeaaaaaa!!!!
Second, please send any email to: FreeAtLast@mentorcoach.com
Within seconds, you'll receive a note from Ben.A FAVOR
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