How can I regain focus on my dissertation?

Question

I'm ABD in a social science and aspire to be a professor. But I have lost all focus on my dissertation after a horrible experience in just reaching "ABD" status, and now with a less than helpful committee - who constantly alters what they want me to look at. I also work 4 hours (now) from where I am completing my degree.

I used to be very self-starting and motivated. Now, I have little/no comprehension of what I read, and have severe writer's block.

Any help?

Answer 1

This is not an uncommon situation.

I highly recommend all of the strategies and support groups that can be found at this website:

http://www.phinished.org

Explore this site, and you can equip yourself with so many valuable tools. I especially recommend "SMART goals," "SMART pacts," and the freewriting and looping techniques. Information about all of these strategies can be found on the FAQ page, but please do post on the discussion boards as well. You will be astonished by how beneficial (and motivating!) some quality support and advice can be.

I wish you every success.

Answer 2

I guess maybe take some time away from it. I realize in grad school that is a tough thing to do, but even just a week where you dont think about what you have to do, or stress about why you are not getting work done. Just take a break. Think about your goals. Remind yourself of why you are trying to do this. And when you come back, start fresh and see if it picks your attitude up any.
Having a rough committee is brutal...perhaps you can find some guidance or positive feedback from peers in your field...use them as people to bounce ideas off of. or to vent to. that can help a lot.
When I lose motivation I also try and remind myself of why my research is "so cool" or I talk about it with people that have no idea what im talking about. breaking it down for strangers and having them take interest in what youve got going on sometimes can make me feel interested again. good luck!

Answer 3

Yes! Go see your doctor first to make sure you aren't suffering from anything physical which may be affecting your performance. Also, it sounds as though you might be experiencing some from depression, which can seriously affect one's ability to think and focus on what once were ordinary tasks. Ask your doctor about that possibility too. My own wife suffers from depression, and for a time, before being diagnosed, could barely focus on her work. Her mind wandered constantly. She cried a lot, and she literally imagined people were conspiring against her in the workplace. If you aren't already doing it, you might want to start taking some good multi-vitamins and minerals to supplement your diet. Also, make sure you are eating a good balance of foods. Another good thing to do to get the adrenaline flowing and lessen the effects of stress induced physical and emotional problems is to exercise, even if it's just a short time. It diverts one's attention to other things for a while and gives the mind and body time to rest and restore itself. Try it! It really does work.

Good luck in your educational endeavors.