I often get emails from distraught dissertators who are seeking some reassurance that they can, indeed, complete the dissertation. I get so many emails, in fact, that this could be termed one of the "hidden traumas" of working on the dissertation. You feel worried and afraid about whether you have what it takes to get this project done. Most often, these doubts creep in under certain circumstances. They creep in when you’ve 1) either just finished a major section, and are feeling a bit ‘tapped out’- not sure if you can dig deep into the creative wellspring to pull out the next chapter, or 2) when you’ve received negative feedback about your work or 3) when your self care has suffered a bit and you’re just a bit exhausted. I want to remind you that hope is an important element of the process. And that there is always hope. Even in the worst circumstances you can ever think of, there is hope. No matter what you fear about the dissertation process, take steps in faith. Move ahead as if you’ll be successful- no matter how difficult this may feel- and you will BE successful. Remember, the dissertation process does not proceed in a straight line. You will work for a time, rest for a time, and then work again. This is totally natural. Even when you feel afraid, keep working to the goal. Fear and faith can not exist together- so if you can only choose one, choose faith. Believe in yourself and believe in your process, and you will finish.
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