Paul Bunyan and Dissertations
June 28th is National Paul Bunyan Day. Want to be able to cut through your dissertation like Paul Bunyan cutting through Dakota timber? Don’t we all!…
Did you hear the one about how Paul Bunyan chopped down a million trees? Or how ’bout how his cookee used to get ready for breakfast by skating down a half-mile griddle with two hams strapped to his feet? And, I’m sure you heard about how Paul Bunyan and big, blue ox, Babe made Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes in their footprints while tramping thought the countryside.
You’ve probably heard some dissertation tall tales about other folks, too. Maybe the one about “that guy” in your program a few years ago who finished his dissertation in a week? Or “that woman” who somehow completed her second dissertation while writing a best-selling book, running her own company, and giving birth to triplets?
These tall tales can be distracting and make you feel bad about yourself. And, even if they are true…who cares!
Focus on you and how you’re going to get your dissertation done. Keep in mind that your accomplishments seem superhuman to a lot of people. It’s common to minimize your own accomplishments and put someone else up on a pedestal. But, will that behavior help you get your dissertation done? To quote the Magic 8-Ball, “Very doubtful.”
But, as long as we’re talking tall tales…
Did you hear the one about that student who put together a solid research plan for his dissertation? I heard he worked just about everyday on his dissertation. He viewed his committee’s feedback as clues and hints rather than slights and digs. And then, he graduated!
How would you like to get the starring role in the real life version of that story? 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.
