Getting Over That Dissertation Block
By Lance Baugh, Ph.D.
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THE ALL-BUT-DISSERTATION SURVIVAL GUIDE(tm)
Devoted to practical steps for completing
your doctoral dissertation.
www.ecoach.com
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INDEX
1. Ben's Note
2. Getting Over That Dissertation Block
By Lance Baugh, Ph.D.
3. Words of Wisdom
4. Inspirational QuoteSUMMARY
In this issue, Dr. Lance Baugh shares some ideas
for how to overcome your dissertation blocks.We round it out with Words of Wisdom and an
inspirational quote.
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Ben's NoteDecember 25, 2003
Dear ABD Survival Guide Reader,
As we move into the holiday season and
end of year, and as some of you may be
setting goals for the New Year, I thought
this issue's feature article would be
helpful. Dr. Lance Baugh offers some
tips and strategies for overcoming any
dissertation blocks.Remember, in a process as lengthy as the
dissertation, it's not uncommon for obstacles
to appear- that's just the nature of the
process. What separates those who finish their
Ph.D.'s from those who don't- is, very often,
that those who finish have a faster turn-around
time after hitting a block.If this year hasn't gone as you planned and
you've hit some kind of "wall"- I'd strongly
encourage you to make a plan and take
some actions to turn this around. Why can't
2004 be your year of the Ph.D.?If you could use a bit more insight or guidance,
check out Words of Wisdom and our newest
inspirational quote.Finally, both Rachna & I would like to wish
you and yours a safe and wonderful rest of
2003. We look forward to "seeing" you again
in 2004.Happy Holidays, and see you in two weeks.
Warmly,
Ben
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Getting Over that Dissertation Block
By: Lance Baugh, Ph.D.
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Are you having trouble pinning down your dissertation
topic? Or, have you (more or less) chosen a topic, but it
just doesn't excite you enough to get moving on it? If one
of these applies to you - read on! This article is for you.Since you have gotten this far in your training, you are
likely to be a creative, inquisitive person who enjoys
learning. But somehow these personal assets aren't
translating into a clear, interesting and realistic decision
about your dissertation research. You are not alone.Feeling stuck at this point in a doctoral program is a
common malady. In this article I am suggesting that when
you are having trouble making a decision about an issue
outside of yourself (research topic), it may be important to
go back and look at your inner issues (interests and goals)
in order to get back on track. If you have a firm grasp on
where you want to go and what interests you, you will have a
strong foundation for choosing and completing dissertation
research that will be more satisfying and successful.It is only natural for you to have more energy and
motivation to pursue activities that resonate with your true
interests. I wonder how often doctoral students become
stuck and discouraged about their dissertation research
because it doesn't really strike a chord with their unique
personal interests. Maybe they chose their topic and method
because it was easily available, or because it was a special
interest of their professor or advisor. Or, it might have
been a popular issue that interested people around them.There are some real challenges you are almost certain
to encounter as you move through your dissertation research.
These include long hours of detail work, balancing personal
and work demands, demanding committee members, revisions and
deadlines. You will find it harder to keep your energy and
motivation at a high level if the research doesn't match up
with your genuine interests to begin with.If you are having trouble choosing a dissertation
topic, take a moment to sit back, take a deep breath, focus
your mind and ask yourself the following questions: What
issues and ideas in my field excite me? What have I studied
in this field that engaged my natural curiosity and
creativity the most? What ideas and issues am I aware of
right now that appeal to my interests and creativity?
(Note: To make this exercise more effective, write out your
responses to the questions. It will be well worth the
time.)On the other hand, if you have chosen a topic but you
just can't seem to get yourself moving productively on it,
ask yourself the following questions and take the time to
write your answers: Am I really interested in this topic I
have chosen? Does this issue excite me? Do I care enough
about this topic and the work involved in the research to
continue working through frustrations, pressures and delays
I may encounter? If your answers to these questions
indicate you're not invested enough in your topic, go back
to the questions in the paragraph above.It is also natural that a long range goal or vision of
your future will increase your energy and attention for
achieving your goals right now. Think of your dissertation
as the next step toward what you want in life. This will
enhance your energy and attention for completing this
research. In the face of a larger goal, frustrations you
encounter will be far less likely to bring you to a halt.
To put this principle to work for yourself, ask the
following questions: What do I expect my life to be like
when this dissertation is history? What do I feel
passionate about working on as a long-term career? How will
completing this project help to get me where I want to be in
life? Again, write out your reactions to these questions.So, be honest with yourself about which issues and
topics in your field are of true interest to you and which
ones are not. Continue to clarify your vision for your
future. Think of your dissertation as the next step to that
future you want. Good luck!=======================================
About Lance Baugh, Ph.D.
=======================================
Lance Baugh is a psychologist with more than 30 years
of experience. Currently, he is mainly in private practice
in the St. Louis area and is in the process of building
a practice in coaching.He can be reached
By Email: ljbaugh@charter.net
By Phone: (314)965-2415.
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Words of Wisdom from New Ph.D.'s.
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" A Ph.D. is just a license to learn."
You're not expected to know it all.
You are expected to understand the current
debates in the field, how to ask intelligent
questions and how to go about gathering the
information needed to answer those questions.
In fact, that's what you will be best qualified
("licensed") to do when the whole process is over.=======================================
Inspirational Quote
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Several recent graduates have suggested that
we offer an inspirational quote or two to
further motivate and support you. If you
have any quotes that you find really helpful,
please send them to rachna@mentorcoach.com"I am always doing that which I can not do,
in order that I may learn how to do it."
~~Pablo Picasso===================
Your Own Coach
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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
If you have questions about this newsletter, you
can direct them to me: rachna@mentorcoach.com
I'm excited to be working with you to meet your academic
goals. You can do it!
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THE ALL-BUT-DISSERTATION SURVIVAL GUIDE(tm)
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" The All-But-Dissertation Survival Guide"(tm) focuses
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roadblocks that often seem to stand in the way of
completing the dissertation. It is read throughout the
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