Summary of "The Dissertation Journey: A Healthy Mindset for Every Season 5/19/22"

Summary: The Dissertation Journey: A Healthy Mindset for Every Season

Dr. Kerry Hall shares her personal dissertation journey, highlighting the importance of adopting different mindsets for each dissertation chapter and season, along with practical wellness and productivity tips to maintain a healthy balance throughout the process.

Key Wellness Strategies, Self-Care Techniques, and Productivity Tips

General Approach

Recognize that each dissertation chapter requires a different mindset and style of thinking.
Avoid comparing your progress or journey to others; everyone’s dissertation and life circumstances differ.
Understand and accept that hitting a "wall" or mental block is normal and part of the process.
Practice self-awareness by "thinking about what you are thinking about" to identify mindset shifts needed.

Chapter 1 (Introduction) – Spring: New Beginnings & Critical Thinking

Focus on identifying the gap in literature, problem statement, purpose, and theoretical framework.
Use critical thinking to evaluate existing research and find your unique contribution.
Healthy tip: Read daily and widely (any material counts, e.g., Dr. Seuss books) to stimulate the brain.
Engage in playful problem-solving activities (e.g., puzzles, games with children) to enhance critical thinking.

Chapter 2 (Literature Review) – Summer: Exploration & Abstract Thinking

Shift to abstract thinking and synthesizing information from seminal and current works.
Create visual aids (e.g., presentation boards with quotes and notes) to organize and connect ideas.
Healthy tip: Take frequent breaks to refresh creativity; activities like watching comedy, laughing, or light physical activity help recharge the brain.

Chapter 3 (Methodology) – Fall: Precision & Detailed Thinking

Focus on methodical, sequential, and precise writing to describe research methods, data analysis, assumptions, limitations, and ethical considerations.
Healthy tip: Practice following steps and directions exactly (e.g., cooking a recipe without improvising, counting stairs) to train the brain for logical sequencing.

Chapter 4 (Findings) – Challenging Season: Creative & Emotional Processing

Shift from logical to creative thinking to organize and present data meaningfully.
Separate personal biases from participants’ experiences, especially when researching familiar topics.
Healthy tip: Prioritize basic self-care — eating well, sleeping adequately, exercising regularly — to maintain brain function and avoid burnout.
Recognize that hitting a wall is expected; persistence and self-care are crucial.
Be open to creative approaches and support from mentors or chairs.

Chapter 5 (Discussion & Conclusion) – Harvest Season: Reflection & Integration

Synthesize all previous chapters concisely.
Add recommendations for practice and future research.
Reflect on the journey and prepare for the dissertation defense.
Healthy tip: Be hands-on throughout the process to know your work intimately for a confident defense.

Additional Practical Tips

Balance dissertation work with family, job, and personal life by setting flexible schedules and prioritizing important family events.
Use personal experience and skills (e.g., transcription ability) to manage workload effectively.
Create a dedicated, quiet workspace to enhance focus (e.g., a home office).
Utilize university resources such as Dissertation centers, webinars, and support services.
Accept that extensions or adjustments in timeline are normal and part of the process.
When theoretical frameworks don’t fit, explore and be open to alternatives that resonate better with your study.

Presenters / Sources

Dr. Kerry Hall – Post-doctoral fellow, faculty member at Northcentral University (NCU), Marriage and Family Therapy Department.
Esther Akange – Academic trainer, Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), NCU (host/moderator).