Time Management Tips for Writing a Dissertation:

Time Management Tips for Writing a Dissertation:

In writing a dissertation, time management is the biggest challenge. If you are like most students, you have many other commitments, and dissertation writing isn’t an exception. To avoid procrastination, choose a topic you’re interested in, and stick to your plan. Here are some tips for staying on track:

Procrastination:

The best way to conquer procrastination is to avoid the temptation to read your finished work and re-read it as often as necessary. It is an instinct for writers to put their work on hold to be around other people and to avoid the feeling of isolation. Yet, writing is a solitary activity, and procrastination can be your constant companion.

 

While delaying tasks is perfectly normal, procrastination is counterproductive in research environments. Those who procrastinate tend to have higher stress levels and poorer health, according to studies by H&R Block and other tax preparation companies. Furthermore, delaying work until the last minute results in fewer tasks being completed. The result is that you won’t meet them promptly and make mistakes.

Time management:

One way to improve time management when writing a dissertation is by prioritizing tasks. Instead of trying to fit everything in between, try to dedicate five to fifteen minutes per day to working on your dissertation. You can also work on it during other assignments or while studying. Setting daily goals for time management can help you determine the best time to write your dissertation. Some people work better early in the morning, while others work best late at night.

Finding a topic that interests you:

There are many aspects to choose from in a dissertation topic, so identifying a subject that interests you can be one of the most difficult steps. One thing to remember is that the process of choosing a dissertation topic is a marathon, not a sprint. Selecting a topic that interests you mean choosing something relevant to your study area. For example, if you’re interested in learning about psychology, you should pick an issue on the relationship between stress and depression. A topic that is relevant to you can be a branch of the same field as an existing body of theory, but it may not produce the same level of originality as one that is far removed from your area.

 

Once you’ve decided on a topic, you must choose a style and format for the rest of the paper. The writing style should be simple and uncomplicated, with jargon-free language. If you’re writing for a professor, keep sentences short and easy to read. It’s best to split long sentences into smaller ones, if possible. Using simple language and style makes the writing process easier for the reader.

Staying on track:

It can be easy to become overwhelmed and procrastinate. However, there are ways to keep yourself motivated. A good way to do this is to treat dissertation writing like a job. It is important to devote 10 to 20 hours per week to this project and set a specific time and location to complete it. Additionally, consider joining a dissertation listserv or taking a class that teaches the entire process. As a sixth-year counselling psychology doctoral student, Chris Bernuth explains that he keeps himself on track by scheduling due dates with his professor.