Have a Reflective, Happy Holiday!
by Johnna Williams | December 30, 2008
This is definitely the time of year when individuals conscientiously formulate new strategies for their upcoming new year! Many of us spend these next few days thinking about the past year – what went well, what didn’t go as smoothly? What could you (would you) have changed? This is a time of reflection, which is so vital to the process of becoming a scholar!I am a student of Solution-Focused theory, which (obviously) focuses on finding solutions to problems rather than dwelling in the problem itself. Essentially, this theory adheres to the belief that individuals already know what they need to do, but often, they get stuck. I see this so much in the processes learners are going through with their dissertations! In a really basic way, you find what has worked for you and do more of it. If you know that there are some things that just don’t help at all, you don’t do them.
It is simplistic in approach, and of course, easier said than done. But there is a real potential for individuals to think (really, truly think) about where they are and how they got there, when they just sit down and give themselves time to do so. Honest reflection is (I believe) as essential as developing academic and scholarly writing skills, or a dissertation topic, or a relationship with a mentor. The ability to know where you are and how you got there, and to intentionally watch for pitfalls and navigate them is an essential part of life, which translates into a doctoral program. After all, many of us spend 20-30 hours a week working on our dissertations, so this part of our life is huge and needs to be acknowledged.
So, as we prepare to launch into the new year, my hope for you is that you are doing well in your life and in your studies. I hope you and your family are happy and healthy. And, I hope that you take the opportunity to sit down in a quiet spot for an hour or so and think about what you have accomplished this year. What barriers have you overcome? Did you learn new strategies to better position yourself to move forward? What has worked, and how can you incorporate these strategies more? Are there individuals that have helped you on the way that you haven’t touched base with lately?
Have fun reflecting, and have a safe and happy holiday season!