It’s been really hectic around here, with juggling multiple responsibilities and deadlines. I had a great time speaking last week to a group of really bright and very motivated PhD students at Montgomery College. We covered some of my best PhD Completion Strategies, and the students had terrific questions and additions. I even added to my presentation based on their comments. As much as I know about completing the dissertation, it’s always great to learn new strategies. One thing I’m noticing lately is that I need to get organized before I can make progress, especially when there are several steps to every goal. I feel like I need a certain amount of time to plan what I need to do, and then a certain amount of time to get all the information organized, and THEN, after these two steps, THEN I can get going and make real progress. The dissertation process is very much like this. You need to plan adequately, get all your information/resources organized, and then you can actually sit down to make progress. One strategy which works well for me when I’m planning out multi step goals is to make a process chart or mindmap of the goal from start to finish. This allows me to see all the steps necessary to complete the goal, and allows me to take action towards working on the goal, before I actually sit down to work on the goal. In the dissertation process, this can mean the difference between a working hour in which you actually accomplish a task, versus a working hour in which you spend the whole time getting organized to work. If you have a particular goal to reach, try mindmapping or flow-charting it out to see all the necessary steps. Take action to prepare to work on the goal, and your actual goal completion will be easier and faster. When you know the steps you have to take, it’s much easier to actually take them. **** It’s been so nice to see how many people are benefiting from the dissertation coaching membership site. In just the past 6 months, we’ve had 7 people finish, and a few more should be completing by the end of this summer. I got a very nice testimonial from one of the members and wanted to share that with you: Dr. Rachna D. Jain and The Secrets of Dissertation Success web site was just what I needed to get me focused on completing my dissertation within one year. After completing my coursework, I had a very hard time trying to balance family obligations and scheduling time to write my dissertation. I also had chosen a topic that was too big in scope, which eventually left me wondering if I even wanted to complete the degree. After two years of having the dissertation hanging over my head with no real progress, in January 2007 I joined the Secrets of Dissertation Success web site and renewed my commitment to complete the dissertation this year. This experience has made such a difference in not only my outlook but also in actual written progress. In the past 5 months I have started over with a new topic, completed and passed my written comprehensive and oral exam, and now have a completed prospectus. I now will be able to complete the dissertation this fall. I want to thank Dr. Jain for all of her wonderful advice. She was always willing to answer my questions, gave great advice, and also was genuinely proud of my accomplishments. I feel that she has become not only an "extra advisor" but also a friend. I also appreciate all of the support from the others in the Secrets of Dissertation Success forum. If you are looking for support and help in completing your dissertation, I highly recommend joining this group. Renee Smith PhD candidate (Education) – University of Georgia *** If you’re serious about finishing the dissertation, learn my secrets of dissertation success. Get ready to finish the dissertation!
