Avoiding Pitfalls While Working On A Dissertation Proposal

Working on a dissertation is not only a test of your academic ability, but it is also a test of your self control and work ethic. There are so many ways to avoid working on a dissertation that is actually quite amazing that so many students actually finish the lengthy paper. Here are some of the common pitfalls that plague students and how to avoid them:

• Distractions: This is the most common pitfall and it is the easiest to avoid. In order to get the dissertation done and not be distracted, you need to find a workspace where no one will bother you. In many cases, the home is the place to work on the dissertation. Students will use workspaces in public libraries, coffee shops, or other comfortable settings that are either quiet or have white noise in the background. You should leave everything that distracts you out of your workspace, like your cell phone or music devices.


• Procrastination: This pitfall tends to go hand-in-hand with distractions. There are always so many other things we would rather be doing that writing the dissertation. In order to avoid procrastination, you should set a schedule that you can actually accomplish. Most students cannot spend ten hours in a row working on a project, but you might be able to spend two or three for five days a week. If you can set a realistic schedule, you are more likely to actually accomplish what you set out to do.


• Lack of resources: Even though this sounds like serious problem, it should not be a problem for anyone. There are resources all over the Internet and in databases. If you think you cannot find anything useful, then you have not looked hard enough. If you have looked and nothing exists, then you need either make your own sources by conducting your own research or you need to choose a better topic.


• Fear of completion: This might not sound like a realistic problem, but there are students who struggle with finding someone to edit their work because they fear what will happen. Some students also fear completing the paper because they will graduate and have to leave the university setting. There is no reason to fear an edit or finality on your paper. Finishing a paper is exciting and it proves that you are ready to face the world and criticism.