It's a tough course, but in the long run, you will find it mastering yourself to be worth at least as much as your academic learning. Managing a mammoth endeavor such as a dissertation is as much about managing yourself as about managing theories and data.

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The real secret to finishing a dissertation cannot be found in a library or a laboratory. Instead it reveals itself as you become more adept at managing your time and your energy. In short, it's about honing self-discipline to a level you didn't need in high school or college because you got by on your smarts.

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Careful observation reveals that truly successful scholars don't just finish their dissertation. Along the way they also establish powerful, healthy habits that convert goals into achievements. The most effective way to do this involves intentionally practicing strategies that work, i.e., the ones that allow you to turn away from distress and pivot toward productivity.

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Fortunately, you don't need to reinvent the wheel. Prolific writers and productivity researchers tend to agree on the best practices. These practices also resonate with what I've learned from fourteen years of coaching ABD students to success.

 

In this post and the following one, I'll share the top 10 proven strategies that will get you unstuck and propel you to the finish line. If you are faltering or in danger of burning out, experiment with these to steady yourself, keep your cool, and keep writing until you earn that sheepskin.

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1. Don't wait for your muse. Successful writers don't wait for inspiration. You finish a writing project by honoring your goal. That means calendarizing D-time just as you would appointments with your advisor or dentist. For extra punch, label your writing appointments with compelling, inspiring phrases, such as "For my success" or "Be kind to future me!" or whatever calls to you. Don't wait for your muse or "the right mood." Get started, keep at it, and your mind will eventually follow suit. When you become present to the writing, the words will come.

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"Your job is to make sure the muse knows where you're going to be every day from nine 'til noon or seven 'til three. If he does know, I assure you that sooner or later he'll start showing up, chomping his cigar and making his magic." 

~ Stephen King

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2. Lower the barrier to starting. Make it easier to start writing than to fritter away your valuable time. Skip the temptation to clean off your desk by getting everything ready the night before. Keep your sequenced task list posted to avoid the merry-go-round of indecision: "Should I edit the Intro? Or write Chapter 5?" Does a blank page induce terror? Then leave your word document open with the last sentence of the day or a note about where to start. Reducing uncertainty about where to start lowers the risk that seeds of doubt will germinate.

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"The secret of getting ahead is getting started." ~ Mark Twain

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3. Commit yourself to a fixed start time. Don't focus on the deadline—focus on the start time. That creates an open loop that your brain works to close by reminding you to follow through. Research shows you are twice as likely to do it if you've said when you'll get going. Remember how your "inner nag" kept reminding you that you had an impending call to your advisor? And it stopped after you made the call? That's how it works.

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"Don't wait. The time will never be just right." ~ Napoleon Hill

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4. Minimize all distractions. Turning off your smart phone or web connection does not go nearly far enough. Mindfully assess other distractions in your environs. Every time you toggle your attention, you lose. (Family photos, dirty dishes, and the latest New Yorker are among my nemeses, which is why I am writing this from St. Michael's Blue Crab coffee shop.)

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"There's no such thing as multitasking, just multifailing." ~ Peter Brookman

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5. Maximize "nudgers." The opposite of a distractor, a nudger can be anything that helps keep you on track. Make your writing space attractive. Put your most inspiring book on it. Post a calendar and put a star each day that you meet your quota. Get a writing buddy or ask a friend or coach to expect your latest page at day's end. (You could pin up a photo of the exotic beach or city you will visit after graduation—but take it down if you start daydreaming about being there). What works for you?

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"When you feel like quitting, think about what got you started." ~ Anonymous

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Following these recommendations will reap you two important benefits—your sought-after doctoral degree and the deep satisfaction of enhanced self-management. Over time, the return on your investment will continue to compound. Plus, your self-confidence will soar because you know you can trust yourself to follow through on your commitments.

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In the end, it is up to you to choose to master this implicit doctoral curriculum. Don't expect your professors to impose it. That's not their job. If you sense that you would benefit from professional help as you cultivate your writing and self-management habits, don't hesitate to call a dissertation coach. That's what we are here for.

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DON'T MISS THE NEXT ISSUE — GET THE FINAL FIVE INSIDER TIPS TO FINISH YOUR DISSERTATION FASTER.

 

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FOR FURTHER INSPIRATION

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• Davis, Josh. Two Awesome Hours: Science-Based Strategies to Harness Your Best Time and Get Your Most Important Work Done

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• Duhigg, Charles. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

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• Sword, Helen. Air & Light & Time & Space: How Successful Academics Write.

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• YouTube: Question of Practicing: Joy Boys Video (2 minutes) with a child's simple wisdom: What you practice, you will get good at.