So, my second to last post had me all optimistic about finding a way to make my dissertation happen. Then, spring break came and went.
During spring break, I determined that I would go to a coach and figure out how to get my motivation going to finish the degree. So, this weekend, I went to see Lisa Laws, as she came highly recommended and I wanted to go to someone I didn’t know in the coaching circle.
Within about five minutes into our session, she helped me to determine the reality is that I do not actually want to complete the degree at all and I’ve just been looking for a way to justify not doing it.
Therefore, despite all the very excellent and reasonable reasons to finish the degree, I have determined to step away from the degree as it is for now. I am leaving the door open to the fact that I may someday decide to do the PhD in full down the road, but for now I plan to find a way to publish what I have already researched and done, then move on with my life. Should I find that I do want to have a Dr in front of my name, then I can always go back and either build upon what I have already done or start something else.
What I really needed to make this decision was a way of not looking at the past six years and thousands of dollars as a complete waste. However, what I have already done can be published. It can even be put into a proper book, if that’s what I wanted. Still, in the world of academia, getting published and presenting is just about as important as having a doctorate. Therefore, I believe I can publish a great deal from what I already have without the pressure of it being ‘good enough’ or having to meet someone else’s demands….
So…with that load off my shoulders and away from my brain I am thrilled! It just might be the third best choice I have ever made in my life! 😀
Of course, some people may think I have made the wrong choice or that I’ll regret it; however, they are not me and I’m quite comfortable with: my decision, who I am and where I plan to go with my life. 😀
Now, I can happily do my blogs, write for my own pleasure and take full joy in the activities that I am doing without the weight in the back of my mind of thinking I should be holed up doing something I do not want or feel the need to do right now! Yay for me!!! 😀
-T
