Students frequently face procrastination, self-doubt, and worry when writing a thesis since it can be a difficult endeavor. However, from my perspective, writing a thesis can be a joyful and gratifying process with proper organization, time management, and the correct perspective.
Choosing the Right Thesis Advisor
Finding your ideal adviser is a crucial component in writing a thesis. This was one of the largest problems I faced in my writing experience, as I had to find a new advisor halfway through the process. This aspect is so important to your thesis because your adviser can offer direction, encouragement, and critique. They can also assist you in overcoming any difficulties or obstacles you may have. When choosing an adviser, it’s crucial to take into account their areas of expertise, availability, and communication style, as well as their suitability for your personal goals and working style. In the end, I had the best advisor that was able to guide me through this process effortlessly.
PROCRASTINATION
Procrastination is one of the biggest problems that I went through when writing my theses, and this is common. When you are not feeling particularly inspired or motivated to work on your thesis, it might be easy to put it off in favor of other things. But the longer you wait to start writing, the more difficult it is to do so, trust me. Setting reasonable deadlines and goals is crucial for overcoming procrastination. You should also make a timetable and try to keep to it. The writing process may be easier if divided into smaller, easier-to-manage activities, such as planning, research, drafting, and editing.
Crush Your Thesis to Pieces
In addition to selecting the ideal adviser, it’s critical to build a network of peers, coworkers, and mentors who can provide advice and support. My thesis writing group, Crush Your Thesis to Pieces, was an important support system that got me through writing my thesis. I cannot thank them enough for encouraging me to keep going, especially when I was very behind on my work, and being there to just chat about our daily lives and more.
The Importance of Self-Care
Prioritizing self-care and balance throughout the writing process is one of the most crucial pieces of thesis writing guidance. It’s crucial to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being, take pauses, and partake in enjoyable activities since writing a thesis is exhausting. This could be engaging in physical activity, like going on long- walks (which I did a lot), practicing meditation, spending time with friends and family, etcetera. Anything that makes you feel good!
Embracing the Climb
Finally, it is crucial to keep in mind that creating a thesis is a learning process and that it is 100% OKAY to have difficulties, make mistakes, and update your work as necessary. Your thesis is a chance for you to gain new knowledge about a topic you are passionate about, and the writing and revision processes may hone your research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Be gentle to yourself, stay committed to your passion, and recognize your successes along the way.
I will conclude by saying that writing a thesis can be difficult, but it is ultimately rewarding. You can successfully handle the process of writing a thesis by being focused on the big picture, being open to feedback, and enjoying the learning process.
Lindsey Goldstein is a senior in the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs studying law and public policy.
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