STOP.
by Lynn Riskedal | March 2, 2009
There is a point in time when you want to quit. Just STOP.
Actually, there are probably several points in time when the idea of stopping banters about in your head.
Time to assess: What is this about? Why do you feel that way?
During one long run during training for the marathon, I just wanted to stop, lay down and take a nap. Done. Nothing more in me. Problem was, I was 7 miles down a bike path into a rural area, and really not a clue how to explain to someone to come find me.
–I hadn’t fueled well enough and my body just didn’t have the energy to continue.
Getting up early on Saturday and spending the entire morning running (I’ve mentioned that I’m a slow runner in earlier posts) for a couple of months gets tedious. And being tired the rest of the day and the next day too….
–Time to revisit the ‘why am I doing this’ discussion. Here are my reasons for training: Manage my health. Having an event keeps me moving towards a goal. Having a challenging event, well, challenges me. And I feel good that I get to the start line and I feel even better about myself and my response to a challenge when I get to the finish line.
Limping? Hurting? Injuries happen when training and during events. Keep on running?
–Time to talk with a doctor or qualified person to help assess the physical aspects. You may have to stop out. This may impact whether you do that planned event. If the advise is to refrain from running, it is important for your physical health to stop training (there may be other ways to continue moving and exercising). Stopping and taking care of the situation will probably mean recovering your health sooner and getting back into training/running.
Seeing parrallels to a doctoral journey?
Sometimes you burn all your fuel. You need more fuel to keep progressing: rest, fun and laughter, a new perspective in the approach, different search words. I learned to consume calories sooner in my run so I didn’t bonk. During my dissertation, I learned to be seriously focused, but also learned to have fun.
Committment. Reflecting on the why helps motivate. It is still hard to get up early and spend all day on one effort. But the reasoning behind it is there and makes it worth it. And I don’t want to go into an event under prepared.
Injured? Make wise judgements. Stopping out and taking care of the issue may be the best. During a doctoral journey, family stuff happens, health issues happen. And sometimes academic stuff happens. Focus time getting through those situations and make decisions about returning.
Its the reflecting on the situation and the decisions you choose based on the reflection and the input of others, that is one indication of learning. Stopping out is a natural desire during the doctoral journey. Know why you are pursuing the doctorate. Know why that desire creeps up at that point in time. Make wise decisions.
5 Responses to "STOP."
Robert E. Dratwa (“DOC”) says:
Lynn, et al…
While I normally don’t do blogs, this is an exception since it justifies some commentary by a colleague that is “sharing the pain.”
This journey we are undertaking is one filled with the struggle to succeed and press on regardless of the obstacle(s) faced. Why? In short, because we are self-directed, per the scholarly and sage work of the noted adult educator, Malcolm Knowles. It was he that identified that ours is to learn as a life long road without an end, but with many destinations along the way; earning the coveted “hood” is one of the rare rewards that comes with reaching a milestone journey in lone’s life.
Becoming a scholar and member of the ‘academy’ is what this is all about. A community of us devoted to inquiry–those more interested in the why rather than how…
Cheers, and carpe diem, all
Johnna Williams says:
Lynn:
These are very wise words. While I am sure tht no one wants to quit (especially in their dissertation stage), it is crucial that individuals are honestly assessing their thresholds and abilities at any given time. If there are external factors that have to take precedence, the smartest thing to do is to let yourself do it. Sometimes (not always) stepping out for a quarter actually makes the process smoother, which may equate to faster.
It’s all about the quality of your self-reflection, too. It’s one thing to think about where you are (on a running path, or in dissertation), but if you haven’t paid attention to the details, can you tell someone else where you are if you need help?
Nice post!
Johnna Williams
Lynn Riskedal says:
Johnna, Robert:
Thanks for your responses. Good point about paying attention to the details so one can better ask for help. And yes, getting hooded was in my top 5 experiences in life. I HIGHLY recommend going through ceremonies for that experience.
Life is a journey, might as well learn and grow as we go along
Lynn
Sais Singh says:
To all:
Reading all the posts that everyone puts up on Facebook, this blog, other blogs, etc. has made me realize how much of a mountain I am about to climb. I also am starting my career (part time) as an adjunct faculty member as well as maintaining my military career as a reservist. Believe it or not, this is about my normal pace of life. I have chosen to take one class per semester until either a) I take a sabatical from my day job or b) I stop teaching. However, I don’t plan on doing either a or b, so if all goes well, I won’t burn out before the comps and dissertation. There are two sources of earthly strength that I look to during this time. The first is my family, for who I desire a better future. The second is my own desire to contribute to society. By completing this degree, I will be able to teach others and participate in projects that will add to the future of academic society. I start in April and I’m praying that I can continue through the finish line. I hope a third source of strength will be found with my colleagues and advisors.
Sais
Lynn says:
Sais:
It is a large mountain, I will not diminish the height and potential ruggedness of that mountain. However, you know why you are entering the program, you have a strategy, you have motivations– All are an important part of the equation. Colleagues, faculty and Capella staff are also an important part of the journey. I encourage you to attend a colloquia during your first or second quarter of your program. That will provide many connections with learning colleauges.
Best.
Lynn