Monday, January 19, 2009
Coda
As time goes by and I reflect about the process of writing my dissertation, I realize there were many things inside and outside academia that helped me finish my degree.
First, two things that went hand in hand were the support and encouragement of family and committee members. Knowing they were there with me, at every step, when I needed to answer a question or when I just needed a little push to go forward, was very important.
Secondly, I learned how to soothe myself. I played cards on my computer; and I read self-improvement books, as well as a novel or two. I also learned how to slow down on my personal expectations (which are, usually, very high!). Besides, I learned how to shut down the little negative voice in my head, the one that only thinks about all the bad things that could happen, and was able to turn it into a positive voice that helped me move forward. Reminding my self “Today is going to be a good day!” and working toward that goal really made a difference. And even now, when I think of the things I want to do, I know that a little every day will take me very far.
All this and more helped me concentrate better when working on my dissertation. And so, working a bit almost everyday, little by little, I was able to complete my dissertation. It took us two and half years, eight chapters, and many, many revisions! :)
First, two things that went hand in hand were the support and encouragement of family and committee members. Knowing they were there with me, at every step, when I needed to answer a question or when I just needed a little push to go forward, was very important.
Secondly, I learned how to soothe myself. I played cards on my computer; and I read self-improvement books, as well as a novel or two. I also learned how to slow down on my personal expectations (which are, usually, very high!). Besides, I learned how to shut down the little negative voice in my head, the one that only thinks about all the bad things that could happen, and was able to turn it into a positive voice that helped me move forward. Reminding my self “Today is going to be a good day!” and working toward that goal really made a difference. And even now, when I think of the things I want to do, I know that a little every day will take me very far.
All this and more helped me concentrate better when working on my dissertation. And so, working a bit almost everyday, little by little, I was able to complete my dissertation. It took us two and half years, eight chapters, and many, many revisions! :)
