Tag Archives: Writing

Dissertation Made Easy –25– To Group Or Not To Group.

Anything can be more fun when you turn it into a party… Including your dissertation. Readers of Six Months to Doctor and my clients know that I am a strong advocate for groups. Writing groups, research groups or even overall dissertation groups can be very helpful. Having a group that you have to face every week to share your successes… (more…)

Dissertation Made Easy –24– Crushing Feedback

Remember how I always say that your committee is your best assets? Greatest supporters? Best thing since sliced bread? Such an important part of your journey that a whole chapter in my book is about committees? Well they are, but they can also be the biggest boulders that come crashing on you and your confidence. Some days you may get… (more…)

Dissertation Made Easy –23– A day off

It’s true that when you are on a mission to get your dissertation completed, you often find yourself giving up a social life for the most part. All of that is a temporary sacrifice you make for the sake of your investment. While delayed gratification is important your body still needs some reset time. That’s why it is so critical… (more…)

Dissertation Made Easy –22– Get a Buddy

Doing things alone is not always as fun as with others. Working on your dissertation is one of those. When you are working on your dissertation alone you take a few more liberties than you would with other. You know how your group projects were done a couple days early and your individual papers finished 5 minutes before the start… (more…)

Dissertation Made Easy –18– Getting Out of Revision Junction

Lately I’m hearing a lot about the struggles of students stuck in eternal revision junction. Generally if you are having trouble getting your work approved by your committee there is something that is missing. Nine out of ten times it’s a gap in communication. Either they don’t get your ideas or you don’t get their instructions. Sit down and hash… (more…)

Dissertation Made Easy –17– The Waiting Game

Waiting is one of the most nerve wracking and potentially time consuming parts of the dissertation journey. You hurry to get your document in and now have to wait for someone to get back to you. The first thing you need to do to help you through this part is know your school’s policy. Most institutions allow faculty two weeks… (more…)

Dissertation Made Easy –15– Not Neglecting Family & Friends

If you are a doctoral Candidate or even if you are still in classes and have not risen to candidacy yet, there is no doubt that you are busy. If you are working at the time that complicates matters even more. Since you don’t get additional hours in your day spending time with family and friends which doesn’t come with… (more…)

Dissertation Made Easy –14– Summer Funner or Bummer?

Summer has arrived and some decision will have to be made about accommodating life and dissertation.  The first thought is to take the summer off to relax- That’s not exactly the best idea.  When you start taking a semester off you start to fall out of your groove of productivity. That makes it much more difficult to get back on… (more…)

Dissertation Made Easy –13– Quantitative or Qualitative?

Study design is a very important component of the dissertation journey. The decision between qualitative and quantitative can be challenging but it does not need to be. The question that students ask often is which is easier. The answer is: Both and Neither. They both had the potential to be as easy as they can be a nightmare. A quantitative… (more…)

Dissertation Made Easy –12– When Enough is Enough For Your Lit Review

When writing a literature review, there’s a constant struggle to get everything in and keep it concise. It may seem like it can’t be done, but it certainly is possible.