8 Valuable tips for completing a 210-page dissertation in just eight months

As we all know that Dissertation writing is a lengthy and overwhelming task and while you aim to start writing it, you find multiple distractions and hurdles which make you doubt yourself, and you start assuming that whether or not you will be able to do it or not. It is just a matter of creating discipline with your task and writing gradually and consistently that you will be able to finish your dissertation writing in the required time frame.

The following are some useful and valuable tips for completing the dissertation writing within the desired time.  

1.       Write less but write daily

It is impossible to thing to assume that you need to spend your whole day writing until eight long months; so you need to set specific and achievable goals of writing a specific amount of words every day. You can specify writing 200 to 250 words per day which you can eventually increase if your speed gets better with time. Students often think that how can we write so less and finish well on time but here consistency is the key. When you set this small and accomplishable goal of writing 200 words per day regularly, then you might end up writing more. This can make you achieve your goal in the designated time, and you will not exhaust yourself from writing all day and quitting everything else for this time period.

2.      Choose a topic that you are passionate about

You have to keep writing on a topic which will give you a sense of achievement; so you should choose something for which you are really passionate about. Something which is engaging and attractive to give some value addition to the current researches and the current job market. You have to put a lot of your energy and hard work in it for a good eight months of your time, so you should choose the topic wisely keeping in mind that it will keep you motivated and interested by the end of your journey.

3.      Try to set an achievable finish date for completing the write-up

Designating a realistic and achievable time limit for yourself will make you work for it consistently and diligently. You should not only plan the finish date for the complete dissertation but also for completing sections or chapters also. Having an end date really helps you to focus your energy and attention towards the goal, and you get a sense of accomplishment and motivation when you are able to finish a section at the desired timeline. 

4.      Have a routine and try to remain stick to it

You should figure out what schedule and location work best for you, and you should remain stick to it. For instance, you can make a schedule of getting free from everyday work and other responsibilities and designate a time for your writing. This writing time should be free from any distractions, and you should make sure that even if you encounter some variations once in a while; this schedule would remain consistent.

5.      Be ready for Negative feedback (if any)

It is might possible that the work in which you have put all your heart and months of hard work is disliked by your supervisors. Or they might feel a part of it needs amendments or improvements. It is crucial to understand here that they don’t have any personal offense with you and it is obviously a part of their job, and they have to make sure that your dissertation is up to the mark and worth publishing. You must take their comments and critics as milestones, and you should make improvements in your write up where required. 

6.      Divide your writing according to sections, not chapters

Every day when you start writing, think about a specific subchapter or section that you will be working on. You should not start making unrealistic goals. Dividing your work within sections will make your work on achievable goals, and you can complete your write up from increasing word count from 200 and above. Think of ways through which you can definitely accomplish within a 200-word limit and work from there. Within a few days, you will be able to complete the chapter also. 

7.      Celebrate and reward yourself for small milestones!

Positive reinforcement and rewards can do wonders sometimes. Whenever there is a reward or appreciation at the end of any task, you always end up accomplishing it better and faster. If you give a treat to yourself for completing a sub-section, transcribing lengthy interviews, or finishing a full chapter; it will further motivate you to complete the other parts as well in the designated time. 

8.      You have come a long way, and you can accomplish it too

Lastly, try to understand that it is just an assignment! Nothing more, nothing less. Time and again, this has been observed that students take too much pressure while writing their dissertation and this way, they end up demotivating themselves and sometimes even assume that they are unable to do it. It is obvious that some advisors might make you feel that your write up is nothing but trash, but you need to make sure that it is for your own betterment. Moreover, you need to reassure yourself that not everyone comes even this far which you have reached, so you are just a document away from achieving your biggest goal. So it's useless to move backward and to feel any way less of yourself. You have come a long way, and rest also you can achieve. It’s just a matter of sincere devotion and dedication.

About the Author,

Catlin Fisher is a full-time blogger and part-time academic writer at "DissertationMasters UK" She has completed her Masters in psychology, and she has written some wonderful articles on personal development and motivational topics. Her hobbies include enjoying music, reading her favourite books and travelling to new places.