My first advice for those writing a research thesis is that you should not panic or feel terrified about the upcoming task. You will be done with the thesis before you know it and will learn a lot from the thesis itself and the classes you take in preparation of the thesis. With that said, there are a few key practices, in my opinion, that help minimize stress and increase writing and research productivity.
The first and most important practice that can be implemented when writing your thesis is to stay on schedule. This does not mean that your work has to be pristine and flawless by each deadline. Staying on schedule means ensuring you have at least the minimum amount of work required at each deadline. Lets face it, if deadlines were not implemented by the professors, the amount of procrastination and last minute writing would skyrocket. Staying on schedule will save you ample time towards the end so that you have time polishing your thesis. Think of the schedule that the professors give you, in addition to your own writing schedule, as a multi-course dinner from 6:00-9:00pm. Obviously, the first appetizer cannot be served at 8:30pm, since there would not be enough time for the five additional courses after it. However, keeping a steady pace will ensure that by the end, (9:00pm), you are not rushing to finish and simply turn in the thesis on time.
Keeping in contact with your advisor and asking questions to them and/or your professors is also very important. They have more than likely helped many students previously who have been in the same exact position. Their advice is quite frankly a major key towards your success. (They also grade your work!) Keeping quiet about a thesis that you know is flawed could be detrimental, so always speak up when you are stuck and/or confused, which will happen more than what you think.
In addition, listen! You are very smart and capable, however this is like nothing you’ve ever done (most likely). It’s okay to feel clueless at times. Listening to the advice of those overlooking your thesis is vital towards your success.
Along those same lines, do not think that what you first come up with is what your thesis will be about. I changed the main premise of my thesis at least five times before I zoned in on what I was doing. Just make sure that the major changes are occurring early on in the process so that you have time to revise anything written previously.
As future hall of famer quarterback and possible next Jeopardy host Aaron Rodgers once stated, “R-E-L-A-X.” You are more than capable of performing this task. You will have to put in the work, but it will be extremely rewarding.
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