Do you feel unable to complete your thesis or research paper? Do you ever sit down with the best of intentions only to become sidetracked? Do you feel stuck for ideas and long for a sense of accomplishment as you move forward with your writing?
Not by yourself! Many scientists battle procrastination, diversions, perfectionism, and overload on a daily basis. But do not worry! I have a treat for you.
Now… Wouldn't it be nice to have easy-to-follow tactics that are also enjoyable to use? Such methods that include easy steps you can follow even on a hectic day or when you're not feeling particularly inspired or productive? What if writing could be as simple as... using Facebook?
According to scientists I've spoken to, Facebook is a typical source of distraction while trying to write a research article or a thesis. Why is Facebook still so appealing? Why is it so simple to use it and spend the occasional 10-15 minutes we might have between activities during the workday? I looked at those factors and came up with four approaches for you that are enjoyable to use, will help you break out of a writing rut, and will make your writing easier. Enjoy!
1) Have a predetermined structure, format, or layout so that you can just "fill in the blanks"
Facebook features an interface that is simple to use and contribute content to. What is on your mind is always asked at the top. It's really simple and even enticing to remark on someone's article because there is already room set aside for you to do so and even your photo.
One of the first things I recommend to scientists and researchers who have struggled for weeks or even months to write their thesis, paper, proposal, or funding application is this:
Pick the journal to submit your article to if you are having trouble writing because you are unsure of where to begin or how to proceed. If you're not sure, make a list of potential journals, discuss it with your boss or coworkers, and make an imperfect decision.
It allows you to download the instructions and frequently even a format file from the journal's website. The journal will frequently specify the format for the references and even the maximum number of words. You now have a framework to adhere to and can immediately begin filling in the blanks! Similar to Facebooking
Go to the graduate office and request your guidelines there, just like you would for the thesis. Make an outline, even if it's imperfect. and begin completing the gaps. Likewise with grants and proposals.
2) List the chores that would take you 15 to 30 minutes to finish.
It is simple to waste the sporadic 10-15 minutes you have on Facebook between a meeting and lunch, during your teleconferences, or between a lecture and a bus ride into town.
Divide your workload for your paper, thesis, or proposal into tasks that will take you 15 to 30 minutes to finish each. Create a list of these duties or list them all on separate index cards, and have a stack of those cards close to hand. For instance:
- Proposed Figure 1
- Finish Table 2.
- In Chapter 2 of my thesis, locate the pertinent materials from the most recent conference's ppt presentations.
- write down ten references.
And etc.
You can now browse the list or the stack of index cards and choose a task that appeals to you if you have an unexpected 15 to 30 minutes. Choose a more challenging task if you feel motivated and productive; if not, choose an easier task. You make progress with your writing EVERY DAY, no matter how you're feeling or how little time you have. This builds momentum and enables you to keep going till it's finished!
One of the best productivity tactics, in my opinion, is the ability to break a large activity into smaller, more manageable chores while always knowing what the next step is.
N.B. One of my private clients had the idea to replace the index cards or post-it notes with a "Ta-Daah!-Basket" where you write your 15- to 30-minute chores. At the end of the day, you can really see a stack of creased cards in the basket, and you can tell that your writing has improved.
3) Keep your paper in your line of sight at all times.
The Facebook tab is ALWAYS open and PRESENT, right? Simply clicking on that tab will allow you to access Facebook. It is very simple to open a new tab, type "Facebook," and the page will appear if the tab was closed.
But… Do you truly KNOW WHERE your paper's folder is?
Make your writing assignment simple to access. Early in the morning, open the folder and the file. Have it there now For all those wonderful ideas and moving times to add extra text, it is AVAILABLE and simple to reach.
It will be simpler for you to keep your paper on your mind if it is IN YOUR SIGHT. One piece of advice I give the researchers I work with is to print out the front page of the journal they are writing for and stick it somewhere they can see it every day (on your bathroom door, for instance:-)) or to borrow from the library a hard copy of the journal they are writing for and keep it on their desk as a visual reminder that "Writing paper X is one of my priorities."
The thesis title page should be created exactly as it will appear in your thesis, printed out, and kept in your line of sight at all times.
4) Inadequately writ it
On Facebook, you can really change what you publish after you post it to your wall or when you remark on someone else's post. Facebook posting is quite simple and enticing, isn't it? Why? Because you are aware that you can always make things right. When you think about what you want to say, it can appear ideal, but once you post it, it might not. But don't worry! You may always select "Edit" with a right-click on your post!
And this is just what we intend to employ to help you advance your writing endeavour. You must begin drafting your ideas IMPERFECTLY before editing them.
Writing anything down takes a very long time if you're one of those persons who insists that you need to have your ideas completely formed in your head before putting them on paper (or a computer). Right? You cannot wait until everything is completely clear in your mind since there is an impending deadline, such as the one for submitting your thesis. Additionally, even though you frequently don't have a deadline for your research paper, you've been composing it for far too long and want to stop wasting time and start finishing it.
So, here is the Facebook method we can use: write your words down before they seem flawless. Even though everything seems flawless, once it is written down, it frequently does not appear to be as perfect as you had anticipated. So before it feels right, you might as well write it down!
You may have heard me say: "If you want to write up a paper, you have to be prepared to submit a poor draught!" The papers are revised, not actually written! This tactic is all about pushing past that anxiety about being flawed and putting it aside in the way that you have it on my mind right now.
Go away from your first Academic writing services, flawed draught after finishing it, then return to it and begin editing and polishing your writing. And one of my clients said that it felt nice to go back and edit his writing once he put this method into practise. So this is your additional BONUS: While performing it, you'll feel terrific.