I thought you might appreciate a few comments from people who have shared the Un-Dissertation journey with me or one of my groups...
This is from a Ph.D-to-be we'll call Joan. Because her "day job" took off, she left the group before she finished the dissertation, but here are her thoughts about the Un-Dissertation Process:
"I am at the very beginning of the work on my dissertation . Up until six weeks ago, I never really considered how I would move through the dissertation process. All through my courses I just thought I would figure it out when I "got there". I successfully completed the comps and, boom, I was forming a dissertation committee. The reality came crashing down. I had gotten "there" and my mentor wanted to see some pre-proposal work asap. The State of NJ wanted to see the web-based training I was developing and that they were paying me quite well for. Then there was that live training that put me in a hotel for a few days...... How was I going to manage it all? I own a company that is growing and I am a committed wife and mother. I have much work to do each and every day. I love my life and I was now beginning to panic.
It was then that I realized that it was necessary for me to look at the dissertation process as a learning adventure and allow it to help me hone who I am as a professional and add to the body of knowledge that is professional coaching, something I have a passion for. My mentor does not expect me to have all the answers. I was going to have to give up my all or nothing thinking and just start taking mini-steps each day toward growth and dissertation completion. That has helped me. I am curious and I love to learn. So that is how I am coming at it. So far, it is working.
My ability to procrastinate usually works fairly well for me. I write more effectively when I am under the gun, so to speak. Procrastination is not going to serve me well for this dissertation. The process has to be continual and I have to be willing to make u-turns in my thinking or I will not complete this formidable task. No one is going to hold me accountable in a meaningful way. Procrastination could go on for years. It just will not work for me.
What has allowed me to be more comfortable around all of this is knowing myself. I have given careful thought to how I work and what I want. I could easily allow too much time to pass between dissertation work sessions. That will be the kiss of death for me. I believe that I read that fifty percent of those beginning dissertations do not complete them. That is NOT going to be me. I have invested to much of myself and my time to fail at this point. I will not walk around at this stage of my life full of regret because I could not, or would not, give myself the tools and the permissions to get on with it. I will not allow me fear and insecurities to hold me back.
I may not write the definitive coaching model dissertation, but it really does not matter to this former high school drop-out. I am going to have a good time trying."
Other participants have shared:
First, I'd like to compliment you on your amazing coaching skills! I've truly learned a lot in this process and continue to do so. I did pursue some personal coaching for a short time and it was helpful. But I prefer the approach and tools you've exposed us to. Thanks again for going "above and beyond" the UnDissertation way! :) - Ruchika
I have found this workshop with its members and Karen's guidance to be amazingly productive. I definitely want to continue with Karen. It has been very helpful for me -- the group support, her daily support, and the tools she has shown us. The combination of the mindset with the commitment was amazing – I got most of my methodology section done. And I found using the 20 minute commitment that my internal clock runs to the tune of about 2.5 hours of straight thinking. Then I need a serious break. Dr. Shue also talked about the mindset of “on purpose writing an imperfect draft”. This has been so freeing to me.The permission to be less than perfect has been instrumental in this. I really think the most important piece. - Cass
Thanks, Karen, for your insights regarding your own writing process. Also, I just have to thank you for your extraordinary preparation before the weekly calls and your equally superb mentoring during the calls. I have participated in other ABD groups and this one totally kicks butt because of your outstanding coaching. Anyway, I wanted to let you know how grateful I am for all of your work. Finally, thanks to all of the group members for your support, insights, and encouragement. I really appreciate it. - Jim