Turtles and Dissertations
May 23rd is World Turtle Day. Remember what Aesop said about the tortoise and the hare? Well, it applies to dissertations, too, just not in the way you’re probably thinking…
Slow and steady wins the race! That’s the moral of Aesop’s fable about the tortoise and the hare. [Quick aside: Yes, I know there’s a difference between turtles and tortoises, but the founding sponsor of World Turtle Day is the American Tortoise Rescue, which protects turtles and tortoises, so I’m running with this. m’Kay? Cool. Back to our story…]
Although everyone chants, “Slow and steady wins the race!” there’s a deeper moral to this fable.
You see, the tortoise had a plan.
It was a simple plan.
It was a feasible plan.
And, he faithfully executed his plan, without regard to what was going on around him.
While the hare spent his time showing off his speed, and then being cocky about his chances (to the point of taking a nap!), the tortoise knew that his best chance of winning…of even finishing…was to run his race.
How do you run your dissertation race?
First, you must know where the finish line is. For all intents and purposes, your dissertation is done after you collect and analyze your data. Is there more work to be done after that point? -Yes, but here’s the thing: out of the hundreds of students I’ve coached, mentored, and advised, not onehas reached that point and failed to graduate. So you need a plan to get you to that point.
How will you collect your data? From whom? What will it look like? What will you do with it?
This is your game plan for running your dissertation race.
Next, you have to stick to the plan and execute.
That’s it! A simple, but detailed, feasible plan for collecting and analyzing your data, and diligent execution of that plan. That’s all it takes to earn your doctorate!
Slow and steady wins the race… Unless fast and steady show up, and maps a quicker route tot he finish line.
To quote Dwight D. Eisenhower, “Planning is everything!”
What’s your dissertation race plan look like? Not sure it’s gonna get you to the finish line? Or, even where the finish line is? Then, click here to schedule a quick, 15-minute chat with me to see if you’re a good candidate for our Fast Track Your Dissertation Coaching Program. If you are, then I’ll invite you to join the fastest group of dissertation students out there and help you to reach graduation a good year or two faster than you would on your own.
