Wednesday Dossier: 5 Proven Ways to Overcome Dissertation Inertia

Dec '25 (edited) • Dissertation Discussion

Hello everyone, today we have more insights on our Wednesday Dossier series. I will share a few things about dissertation inertia and how to overcome it as indicated by the title of this post. Shall we?

"An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion." – Isaac Newton's First Principle. This Law of Inertia can impact your dissertation progress significantly. Overcoming dissertation inertia is tough, especially with distractions like social media and the allure of low-effort tasks.

As a doctoral student, you might struggle with inertia because you've been accustomed to external structures since kindergarten—schedules, deadlines, and feedback kept you on track. Writing your dissertation is likely the first time you're expected to generate your own momentum.

The good news? Once you overcome that initial inertia, it becomes easier to keep moving. Let’s explore strategies to help you get started and maintain your progress!

1️⃣ Build your writing habit by starting small.

Don’t be hard on yourself for struggling to write consistently. Start by dedicating time to it, as a novice runner would. Set a daily writing goal for the first week, like thirty minutes, and block that time on your calendar.

Use a habit tracker in a visible spot to log your sessions, adding fun with markers or stickers. Celebrate your progress and gradually increase your writing time.

Remember: To build a habit, showing up consistently matters more than output.

2️⃣ Be strategic about when you work.

The time you spend on your dissertation is important, as everyone has different circadian rhythms that influence peak alertness. Successful academics often tackle significant tasks during their "prime time," typically in the morning, while routine activities are saved for the mid-afternoon.

Have you identified your own "prime time"? Are you more of a night owl or a morning lark? To maximize focus, set boundaries by giving yourself permission to say "no" and "not now" as often as needed.

Remember: Make the time instead of finding the time and schedule your dissertation work during your most alert period.

3️⃣ Design your environment to maximize energy and focus.

The space where you work on your dissertation can either hinder or enhance your momentum. Cluttered papers and disorganized files can lead to procrastination, while others benefit from keeping their materials easily accessible. If domestic distractions are an issue, consider working at a library or coffee shop to stay focused.

Remember: Minimize barriers to getting started and gaining speed while emphasizing those that facilitate your momentum.

4️⃣ Manage your moods as well as your time.

Do you avoid your dissertation because the thought of how little you've done sparks shame or fear? This is common among doctoral candidates. When you procrastinate instead of focusing on what matters, you're allowing negative emotions to dictate your actions. It's easy to get distracted by small tasks for quick satisfaction, but this only leads to falling further behind.

Achieving big goals requires navigating your emotions. Start by pausing to notice your experience. Instead of running away from your negative thoughts and beliefs, practice this "Triple A" mindfulness exercise:

· Awareness- Sit quietly and notice your thoughts, emotions, and body sensations.

· Allowing- Acknowledge your feelings with kindness.

· Action- Choose what benefits you in the long run.

Remember: Have your emotions—don't let them have you.

5️⃣ Identify and connect with your success team.

Beware of isolating yourself, but choose your companions wisely. Surround yourself with those who believe in your dreams and avoid energy drainers. Don’t hesitate to seek help and feedback from peers, and reciprocate.

Join a writing group or find a dissertation buddy for support. Consider additional assistance, like babysitters or consultants, and look into hiring a dissertation coach for motivation (like in our case!). Also, prioritize fun with friends and family to boost energy and creativity. Finally, connect with faculty or professionals who can aid your post-graduation plans.

Remember: Successful doctoral students know that no one does this alone, and asking for help isn't weak; it's a great example of how to take care of yourself.

Let me know what resonated most with you!

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