Ask Doctoral Advising

The end of the quarter is sneaking its way toward you. In the dissertation phase this demarcation may take on a different energy, such as: do you focus your efforts to add the finishing touches to your work in order to send it to your mentor? Or do you spread your efforts out over the break so you can submit when the new quarter begins?

You might think, if the world could stop turning for a day or two, the wave of momentum would continue and you would be a happy (and accomplished) camper. The suspension of time would allow you to continue without having to experience the effects of time passing through a day. Quite the fantasy.

Though it may seem like it, going-going-going like the bunny that runs on super batteries isn’t always the best approach. Our minds need to rest in order to flourish. Although it is frustrating to feel unable to get ideas across or that whatever we want to do isn’t going our way, remembering that everything in life is a process gives us permission to let go – to let the dust settle, regroup, and once again, forge ahead.

Allowing oneself to use downtime to rejuvenate the mind can ultimately lead to something not have thought of before — putting things on our own back burner creates a rich and abundant stew of innovation. Releasing notions of what should be today might lead to a discovery beyond your wildest dreams.

How do you re-fuel? Do you take the time for rejuvenation? If not, give it try and be open to the possibilities.