Susan Corbin

Dear Dissertation Coach,

I find that sometimes I sit down to write my dissertation and I get antsy, like I can’t sit still. All the other things that I feel like I should do start popping up in my head, which distracts me from writing. How can I stop feeling this way and just get to work?

Yours from distraction,

Dissertation Writer

Dear Dissertation Writer,

Oh, the amazing brain! Before I get into suggestions about how to get writing done and quiet your anxious brain, let me talk a little first about why your brain would NOT want you to do what you have claimed you want to do. If you haven’t noticed, many of us have lots of different voices in our heads. Most of us know that they are not real voices, but different parts of ourselves. However, I always talk about those different voices as if they were real and they need to be acknowledged. I gave them a name in my book, Dear Dissertation Writer: Stories, Strategies & Self-Care Tips to Get Done.

I called the voices The Committee in Your Head or CYH. I’ve found that ignoring them, just makes them louder. It’s best to do something with them. First, listen to them. Do they sound like anyone you know? Is it your master’s level advisor who told you that you’d never earn a doctorate? Is it your father telling you that you’d never amount to anything? Is it your Little League coach who stuck you in the outfield? (Why are people so careless with their words around other people?) Once you identify the source, such as the people above (though the father one might require therapy), sometimes you can ignore the voices because you know the source. However, if the voices sound like yourself, then you may need other strategies.

Strategy One: Write distractions down

Strategy one is to have a notepad of paper or a piece of scrap paper beside your computer. Or if you are more comfortable with your Notes App, use that. Whatever you use, write down each thing that comes up that your brain claims needs to be done before you write. I can imagine some of the things are like: the dishes need to be put in the dishwasher or the carpet needs to be vacuumed (household chores seem to be a favorite of the CYH). Maybe your brain remembers some errands that need to be run. You have a check that needs to be deposited (whether you go to the bank or use your phone), you need to return a Christmas gift you don’t like, or you are sure you need to call your mother. Whatever the distractions your brain comes up with, most of them can wait. Writing them down seems to calm your brain into believing that you will not forget to do these incredibly important tasks.

Strategy two: Have a writing routine

Strategy two is to have a writing routine. Light a candle, scented if the odor doesn’t bother you. Put some crystals on your desk to protect you from evil spirits and thoughts. (No, I don’t believe in evil spirits and thoughts, but I do find having the crystals out on my desk makes a difference.) Put on writing music, whatever that is for you. Some people like the classics and others like to rock out.
Basically, by having some writing rituals, you are signaling to your brain that it is time to write and not do other things. I do all three. I am bothered by scents, so my candle is battery-powered, but the flickering is soothing. I keep my crystals in a mesh bag and put them on the desk. The pretty shapes and colors please me. YouTube has a selection of music for writing that I use. Do what works for you.

Strategy three: Set intentions

Strategy three is setting intentions. You can set intentions in two ways. At the beginning of the week, make calendar entries of your writing times. I call this Sacred Dissertation Writing Times. Second, when you go to bed, check your calendar, and make a mental note of when you plan to work the next day. Cement that intention as you fall asleep. I find that the Committee in Your Head quiets down when you say to it: Yes, those things need to be done and I will get to them. Right now, it is writing time. (Still, it helps to write those other things that need to be done.)

Wrapt it all up

All right, three strategies for feeling less anxious when you sit down to write. First, identify the voices if you can, which may minimize their impact. Write down what they think you should be doing. Second, break out the candle, the crystals, and the music for a soothing writing environment. Finally, set intentions the night before when you are going to bed based on your long-term strategy of writing times.

Good luck, dissertation writer. I know you can do this. Let me know if you have any other roadblocks and let’s discuss those.

Warmly,
Your Dissertation Coach