Writing Chapter 2 & Maintaining Motivation
by Lori Schroeder | February 15, 2011
One of my advisees kindly shared her concern about stalling out in Chapter 2. She wrote: “I think, rather yet, I know my issue is not necessarily time management, rather motivation. I seem to be at a stand still with my literature review. I feel that once I can get past this “hurdle” then the rest will be a breeze. What strategies do you suggest?”
Here’s how I replied:
“Chapter 2 is a tough one. It’s so time-consuming and seems like you’ll never find a good place to stop—that you’ve reviewed enough literature.
Here’s what I did to maintain motivation for this chapter:
1. I kept my eyes on the prize. I knew Chapter 2 would be the longer haul. I knew, too, that when I was done with that one, I would move to Chapter 3—which is much more prescribed and cookie cutter like and easier to write and likely a lot shorter.
2. I used similar dissertations and journal articles to help me shape my headings and sub headings in Chapter 2
3. I addressed one heading/sub-heading at a time. I stayed focused on the task at hand. My motto was “Do what is in front of you.”
4. I set up deadlines for each heading/sub-heading. And met them. With every one completed, I let myself experience a sense of relief and allowed myself time to celebrate.
5. I remembered that Chapters 1–3 are preparing the surface chapters. And it always takes at least three times longer to finish any complex task. Just like home improvement projects.
6. I considered Chapter 2 to be an opportunity to show my readers just how much I knew about my topic. I also took pride in what I learned and put out there.
7. Above all, I knew the dissertation stage of any doctoral program is the one where most PhD students leave their program and become ABD. I did not want to have ABD next to my name. I was committed to crossing the finish line. I got a grip and re-charged my “commitment battery” when it was low.
8. I knew that there would be times when I was just not going to be into it and allowed myself a couple of days away from reading and writing.
9. I made sure I shared my progress with colleagues…with my “D Squad,” a group of people who cared about my progress and to whom I was accountable.
If I can do it, you can too.
Do not be deflected from your course.
Onward!
-Lori