PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION All-But-Dissertation Survival Guide - April 17, 2006
|
THE ALL-BUT-DISSERTATION SURVIVAL GUIDE™ The All-But-Dissertation Survival Guide™ 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. Want to become a coach? Spring classes are available now!Subscribe to our other ezines: INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH A DISSERTATION
COACH? Email: ben16-76471@autocontractor.com. You will receive an email outlining the application process. Simply follow the instructions and submit the form. Your application will then be forwarded to potential coaches so that you might arrange a free initial consultation. Various fee plans are available. A FAVOR ARCHIVE |
The All-But-Dissertation Survival Guide is devoted to practical steps for completing
your doctoral dissertation
Be sure to place us on the white list or
approved list for your incoming email. To unsubscribe, go
to the bottom of this email.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE - April 17, 2006
3. Don't Throw it Away! by Catharine Randazzo, Ph.D.
April 17, 2006
A Note from the Editor
Tracy Steen, Ph.D.
One of my favorite pastimes (when there's time for a pastime!) is reading. And I don't mean serious reading—although that remains an essential part of my life. Rather, I'm talking about an occasional indulgence in the relaxing kind of reading that is done simply for pleasure. With so much new information to keep up with in my field, it's difficult to find time for lighter fare--And when I was ABD, it was nearly impossible.
The ABD process allows precious little free time for extracurricular reading. It's difficult enough just keeping up with the required texts and journals of your discipline, not to mention the ongoing reading and re-reading of your own draft rewrites. Given these circumstances, it's unlikely that many of you curl up in an easy chair to catch up on your Shakespeare. If you did, you might encounter these lines:
Things won are done;
joy's soul lies in the doing.When Cressida spoke these words in Shakespeare's Troilus and Cressida, she didn't have a dissertation in mind; but the thought is applicable. And it's one that we have emphasized (in less memorable and graceful prose) many times in our newsletter: We need to celebrate our progress as we move toward the goal.
In our previous newsletter, Lynne Berrett's "Motivating Yourself Over the Long Haul" suggested several ways in which you can reward yourself for hard work and progress. You may want to review that article, as well as many others on that topic, in our archives. Suggestions such as spending time with friends, exercising daily, or scheduling other kinds of enjoyable break activities are admittedly not novel ideas, but they bear repeating—and you will hear them from many experienced advisors--because they really do help. Keep focused on your goal, but find ways of taking pleasure in the process.
We're in good company when giving modern-day advice that corresponds to that of the old bard himself. Shakespeare was an astute observer of human nature, and he knew that we cheat ourselves when we expect to find joy only at the end of our endeavor, forgoing it along the way. One day you'll enjoy the immense joy of having the dissertation behind you; but until that day comes, make every effort to find more joy "in the doing."
Inspirational Quotes
"If you will call your troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be."
— John R. Miller
Despite our best efforts, there will inevitably be dark periods when we feel like just throwing it all away (and good riddance)! Dr. Catharine Randazzo addresses this impulse in this week's guest article, “Don't Throw It Away!” And even if you are feeling quite pleased with your latest work and wouldn't dream of tossing it, read her article anyway--She makes a very interesting and surprising confession!
Don't Throw it Away!
By Catharine Randazzo, Ph.D.
=================================
Ours is a throwaway society. We use disposable cameras that we don't
worry about losing. Tissues are easier than washing handkerchiefs. Baby wipes
replace washcloths. And sometimes, feeling storm-tossed and exhausted in the
midst of an enormous project such as the dissertation, we feel like throwing
the whole thing out. But check that impulse! Some things are worth holding
on to. Along with your self-esteem and your sanity, hold on to the initial
view you had of your dissertation as a whole, and each part of it. Hold on
to your vision!
The general process is to write. Ponder. Re-write. Have your writing evaluated. Have the plan adjusted. Ponder and write some more. This happens section after section, day after day, and month after month. Of course, the idea is to avoid extending this into one year after another. (It might sometimes feel like century after century!) If something akin to imagined senility, acquired in what seems like centuries of work, has obscured your initial vision for your dissertation, go find it! It is that initial idea that spurred the beast to action. Hang on tight! Don't throw it away!
I wish I could say that the following story is just a story, but it is true:
When I was at the beginning of my dissertation, I noticed some interesting “quirks” with one of my co-chairpersons. (Yes, that's right; I had TWO. I recommend against this most strongly!) I noticed that each evaluation brought me further away from the vision I had of my project. Luckily, my studies in psychology had me evaluating the behaviors of my evaluators. Luckily, too, I am a bit brazen at times.
First, I accepted that chairpersons have ideas that differ from ours, despite the initial agreements made. That sort of issue can often be resolved in discussion. Do try discussion. It often helps the relationship while unclogging the pipeline leading toward completion. Sadly, this was not so for me.
My next realization was more disturbing. More specifically, I realized the dissertation process was much like a wrestling match. For some, there is a struggle between Ph.D. candidate and a chairperson solely for the sake of the struggle. It seemed to me that my vision was getting lost in the expectation that the student must be wrong a certain (but undisclosed) number of times. Please do not misunderstand me. I am not accusing anyone of purposeful torture. It seemed more like a habit of thought or even an ego issue.
I then hypothesized that, perhaps, the chairperson in question simply responded to a deeply buried notion that the process of the dissertation is meaningful only under certain conditions. The much spoken of jumping-through-the-hoops idea could be in play. Perhaps, in the attempt to instruct, even to support, a chairperson feels the duty to revise and respond with suggestions, over and again. Thus, the more revisions made, the wiser the chairperson, and the more wisdom imparted to the suffering student. Ah, tradition.
In my case, the revisions drew me further and further from my vision. I felt like my dissertation was being dragged out to sea, with me in tow, as a new ersatz was being installed, by my own hand and against my will. It was the lost vision, not the product of all the revisions, that held my enthusiasm (as I had begun the dissertation with enthusiasm). The lost vision held the simple guidelines for where I meant the project to finish. Where was it? In my search, I found it in my first draft. So, this is what I did:
I resubmitted my first draft. Yes, that's what I said. I admit it. I'll even swear to it. It was a clean, newly printed copy, but it was my starting point. After months of revising and unsuccessful verbal meetings of the minds, I just reprinted what I felt was my best work. That first draft was just what I meant for that dissertation to be. I held my breath, awaited the potential explosion and the spilling of red ink in ugly scribbles of error marks and angrily suggested revisions. The draft came back with just one comment: This is what I've been looking for.
You most probably do not have my chairpersons advising you. So, why do I tell you this? I'm relating my experience because I learned something about my method of project construction. After an initial sigh of exasperation, I realized that I can, and should, refer to my starting point during the extended process. The initial drafts might not be pretty, and they probably will not be perfect. But since that first draft is created temporally close to the vision, and since it is untainted by others' revisions, it is likely to hold the spirit of the information I want to share with others. Will the same be true of you? Don't throw it away!
Just for the record, this little trick of resubmitting an “old” version of my work is not an isolated event. It has worked for me each time I've tried it. But use it sparingly if you choose to use it at all. It is not for everyone. And keep that first draft anyway. A first draft, even if not resubmitted, is useful in several ways. Use that initial, un-revised version of work to keep your project's vision in focus. Use it to gauge your progress (in case your advisors are right). Use it as kindling when your final draft is filed! But don't throw it away!
About Catharine E. Randazzo, PhD
===========================================================
Catharine E. Randazzo, PhD, DABSP, is a psychologist in private practice and
a professional coach practicing in the beautiful “horse country” of
the Garden State. She completed her thesis and dissertation so efficiently
that she had to find ways to keep busy before graduation. A veteran Naval psychologist
and a forensic neuropsychologist, she finds great pleasure in helping people
in all situations and walks of life. Her efforts to assist in many arenas help
her challenge and recreate herself.
Dr. TRACY STEEN, Editor, ABDSG
Tracy Steen, Ph.D. , is a clinical psychologist and dissertation
coach in Philadelphia, PA. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan
and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in positive psychology at the University
of Pennsylvania. Dr. Steen draws on her research background in positive psychology
in her coaching work with writers, helping them to remove internal obstacles
so they can find more engagement and flow in their work. You can contact Dr.
Steen with questions about this newsletter or about writing coaching in general
at tracy@mentorcoach.com. You can
also visit her website at www.tracysteen.com
YOUR OWN COACH
If you are considering whether to get your own coach to help you reach
your academic goals, send any email to the following: ben16-76471@autocontactor.com
BEN DEAN, Publisher, ABDSG
Ben holds a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin.
He began writing the ABDSG in 1997. Over the years, the ABDSG has provided
thousands of hours of pro bono coaching and teleworkshops to ABDs all over
the world. Ben is also the founder of MentorCoach (www.MentorCoach.com), a
virtual university focused on training accomplished helping professionals to
become extraordinary coaches. He is also founder of eCoach (www.ecoach.com),
which trains interdisciplinary professionals to become coaches. Visit www.coachingtowardhappiness.com
for his Coaching Toward Happiness newsletter on applying the new science
of Positive Psychology to your work and life (131,000 readers). Ben lives in
suburban
Maryland with his wife, Janice, their two children, and Norman, their Norwegian
dwarf bunny. They all love coaching from the beach!
About your privacy and ABDSG •|• This newsletter was sent to <$email$> by request on <$today$>.
Ben Dean, Ph.D. , MentorCoach®
4400 East West Hwy/ Suite 1104 • Bethesda, MD 20814 • USA
E-mail: info@mentorcoach.com • Tel:
+1-301-986-5688
Web: www.abdsurvivalguide.com • www.mentorcoach.com
© Copyright 2006 Ben Dean, Ph.D. All rights reserved
For more information call or email
us:
The All-But-Dissertation Survival Guide •|• 4400 East
West Highway/Suite 1104, Bethesda, Md 20814
info@mentorcoach.com (email) •|• 301-986-5688(voice) •|• 301-913-9447(fax)