Surviving Chapter 1...of my dissertation

I know that writing a dissertation, getting the approvals, conducting the research, and all that fun stuff wasn't going to be easy, but sheesh! This is a whole different level of mental and emotional exhaustion while going through the process. However, it is doable and I wanted to provide some things that are helping me during this journey.

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Make a schedule and stick with it

I learned that I need to break my days up and provide myself blocks of time to work on tasks and/or projects at work, and applied that same concept to my teaching assistant duties and my dissertation. Regardless of the degree, certificate, etc. you are working to receive, making a schedule will help. Also, throw in time to do something that makes you feel good, whether it's exercising, time with friends/family, an activity you're passionate about, you get the idea. But don't beat yourself up if you can't stick with the schedule all the time, allow yourself to be flexible.

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Keep searching for literature

Just because I got my proposal approved for my research and IRB approval doesn't equate to no longer looking for relevant research that is applicable to my study. Simply put, keep searching for literature through the available databases (e.g. Mendeley, Google Scholar). As I receive feedback from my dissertation Chair, I continue to locate recent peer-reviewed research articles, revise, and submit to her for review, and, hopefully, approval of Chapter 1.

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Acknowledge the emotions

What I've learned is to acknowledge the many emotions I feel while writing and revising Chapter 1 until I receive approval. I'd be lying if I said I don't have moments when I breakdown and feel overwhelmed, and I feel like, even with a very supportive Chair and tribe, it's okay to feel like this, because it can be very challenging. I started keeping a journal to acknowledge my feelings as I write on the paper, reread what I wrote the following day, and write down how I resolved any negative thoughts or feelings, along with how the positive has helped with the resolution.

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Reward yourself

I am a lover of wine, whiskey, food, hiking, and hot baths, so I reward myself with any of those options for the amount of hard work and time I'm putting in to earn my dissertation, along with the other things going on in my personal, academic, and professional life. So make sure you reward yourself! This is the Applied Behavior Analysis side in my coming out, but you could reward yourself for working X amount of hours/minutes, writing X amount of words, you get the idea. Make sure you reward yourself after completing the smaller task that is leading up to your big task. [Check out the post about using task analysis in academia if you need clarification].

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Don't compare yourself to others

Everyone's process and path are different, and the last thing you should do is compare yours to others. I've learned that when I have compared myself to others who are progressing along with their research and writing, I've gotten discouraged and became less productive. What they may post on social media or talk about, may be perceived as they may have everything together. But we also don't know what they may have dealt with behind closed doors to reach those milestones.

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Imposter Syndrome is 100% real, but you deserve to be here

It's something I struggle with, through social media, at work, in school, but I know I'm put in this position and made it this far for a reason. And that's what you should remember, you being where you are, is not a mistake and you worked hard to be there. Don't forget that! I've taken up the habit of writing daily affirmations and manifestations in my journal each morning to change my mindset for the day to help with imposter syndrome. Also, I say them loud to myself a few times, and it helps me so much to get through my day, week, and month.

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What works for me, may not work for others, but I thought I would share what has been getting me through. If you have other techniques or ideas, please feel free to comment!

- Candace (@TheStudentForLife)