Picture this: you’ve finally carved out 30 precious minutes for writing your PhD thesis. Your fingers hover over the keyboard, but doubt creeps in. “Can I really make any meaningful progress in such a short time?” As a Scholarly Mama juggling multiple responsibilities, this scenario might feel all too familiar.
The Reality of Writing Your PhD Thesis as a Mama
When it comes to writing your PhD thesis, you don’t have to search far to find promises of “quick completion” or “write your thesis in three weeks!” But here’s the truth: academic work, especially thesis writing, isn’t meant to be rushed. It requires deep thinking, careful analysis, and thorough articulation of complex ideas – all of which take time.
For Scholarly Mamas, the challenge of writing your PhD thesis comes with unique considerations. We’re not just academics; we’re mothers, partners, and often professionals juggling multiple responsibilities. This means we need a different approach to thesis writing – one that acknowledges our reality while still enabling us to produce quality work.
By the way, if you prefer to listen to this as a 2-part podcast, feel free to use the player below or tune into the Mrs Mummy PhD® Podcast wherever you usually get your podcasts:
A Sustainable Approach to Writing Your PhD Thesis
Instead of focusing on speed, consider a more sustainable approach to thesis writing. This means viewing your thesis as a series of manageable sections rather than one overwhelming project. Creating realistic writing schedules becomes crucial, as does maintaining consistent progress through sustainable writing habits.
Remember: writing your PhD thesis as a Scholarly Mama isn’t about how fast you can complete it. It’s about producing quality work while maintaining your well-being and family life. This might mean working in shorter sessions than your colleagues without family responsibilities, but that doesn’t make your progress any less valuable.
Making Progress in Small Steps
One of the biggest myths about writing your PhD thesis is that you need large blocks of uninterrupted time. While these are nice to have, they’re often unrealistic for Scholarly Mamas. The key is breaking down your thesis into smaller, manageable pieces that can be tackled in shorter time frames.
Think about dividing each chapter into smaller sections that you can complete in 30-minute intervals. This approach allows you to make meaningful progress even when you can’t dedicate entire days to writing. For instance, you might use a morning session to outline a specific section, then use another short session later to flesh out one of your main arguments.
Developing Your PhD Thesis Writing Routine
Just as learning to drive becomes automatic with practice, writing your PhD thesis becomes easier with consistent effort. The key is establishing clear triggers that signal to your brain it’s time to write. This might be making a specific drink, setting up your workspace, or playing particular background music. These small rituals can help you transition into writing mode more quickly, making the most of your limited time.
Finding and protecting regular writing windows is crucial. These might be early morning hours before your family wakes, during children’s activities, or scheduled blocks during the week. The specific timing matters less than the consistency – what’s important is that these become regular, protected times for thesis work.
Overcoming Common PhD Thesis Writing Challenges
When writing your PhD thesis, fatigue and guilt are common companions. Many Scholarly Mamas feel too tired to write or guilty about taking time away from family. The solution isn’t pushing through exhaustion or abandoning writing altogether – it’s building writing into your routine so it becomes as natural as any other daily activity.
For those concerned that their topic needs deeper focus, consider how you can use shorter sessions strategically. Use these periods for tasks like editing, outlining, or reviewing literature, saving deeper analytical work for when you have longer blocks of time available.
Long-term Benefits of Consistent Thesis Writing
A steady approach to writing your PhD thesis creates benefits that extend beyond just making progress on your document. Your writing quality improves naturally as you develop a more consistent practice, leading to better flow between ideas and stronger academic arguments. You’ll likely find your academic voice becoming more confident and distinct.
This approach also supports better work-life integration. When you have designated writing times, you can be more present during family time, knowing you’ve allocated specific periods for thesis work. This reduces the mental load of constantly thinking about your thesis and helps establish clearer boundaries between your various roles.
Practical Steps for Writing Your PhD Thesis
Starting a consistent writing practice requires some initial setup. Begin by assessing your schedule realistically, looking for natural pockets of time that could become regular writing sessions. Create a dedicated writing space, even if it’s just a corner of your home, and ensure you have all necessary resources readily available.
Your writing system should include:
- A dedicated writing space that signals it’s time to work
- Essential references and resources within easy reach
- A clear backup system for your work
- Simple tracking method for daily progress
Juggling PhD Thesis Writing with Motherhood
Remember that writing your PhD thesis is just one part of your life. It shouldn’t consume every moment or drain all your energy. The key is finding a balanced approach that allows you to make progress while honouring your other commitments. This means setting realistic goals, maintaining consistent effort, and creating schedules that work with, not against, your family life.
Tools and Resources for PhD Thesis Writing
Supporting your thesis writing journey doesn’t require complicated systems. Simple time management tools, basic writing techniques, and reliable backup methods can provide the structure you need. The focus should be on creating sustainable practices that you can maintain over the long term, not on having the perfect setup.
Conclusion
Writing your PhD thesis as a Scholarly Mama requires a different approach than traditional academic paths suggest. By focusing on consistency rather than speed, you can make steady progress while maintaining family life and personal well-being. Remember, every writing session, no matter how brief, brings you closer to completion.
The journey of writing your PhD thesis might be longer than you initially planned, but with consistent effort and realistic expectations, you can produce quality work you’re proud of while staying true to your priorities as a Scholarly Mama. Start where you are, use the time you have, and trust in the power of regular progress to carry you through to completion.
I hope this helps!
Until next time, sending lots of love and gratitude your way!
Remember Mama, these are our journeys of becoming,
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