1. Time management and motivation
UniOGS, Autumn 2017
Study psychologist Pia Partanen

2. Monograph or article-based dissertation?  Goals and sub-goals
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3. Monograph or article-based dissertation?  Goals and sub-goals
In a research group or by yourself?  Social support
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4. Monograph or article-based dissertation?  Goals and sub-goals
In a research group or by yourself?  Social support
Other responsibilities; teaching, other tasks  Time management
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5. Review your previous studies/other independent projects
Which working methods supported your proceeding?
What were the challenges you faced?

6. …and how to prepare and overcome them?
Motivation
Time management
Getting started on
Proceeding
Writing
Tolerating negative emotions
Uncertainty (the future, the present situation, funding, etc.)
Possible challenges
…and how to prepare and overcome them?
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7. Motivation Competence 1/3 What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Believe in yourself
Realize what is enough
Learn to handle criticism – it’s not about you as a person
- Task is too big? You’re lacking competence? Your study techniques are inefficient?
Ask for help and solve problems when they are still small
Develope important skills
Change your approach, working habits, study techniques
Motivation
1/3

8. Motivation Autonomy 2/3 - What and why?
Your motivation to do Doctoral Studies? What kind of personal interest do you have towards your topic?
Future goals?
-How? When are you at your best?
How to use your own strengths?
Set your own goals and deadlines
Optimal amount of working hours vs. leisure time
Concentration: silence or background music?
- When and where?
Effective hours: when are you most efficient?
Learning environment: couch at home or library?
Motivation arises through doing and achieving
- find your own style to work!
Motivation
2/3

9. Motivation Relatedness 3/3 - Find your network
Your study is part of a bigger network of studies in your field
What kind of impact will the results of your study have on society?...on your study field?...on your research group?...on other indivudual researchers work?
Could you cooperate?
- Peer support and supervising
You’re never not alone with your problem – ask your supervisor, learn from others, read guides and other material
Working in a group provides you team spirit and positive feedback –look for other people in the same situation
Brainstorm ideas and solutions together
Accountability to the group, supervisor, or other supports proceeding
Motivation
3/3

10. Why objectives and time management are beneficial?
You know what to do, when to do and where to do
A clear plan will help you to achieve your goals in time and releases energy from constant puzzling with schedules
After scheduled working hours you can enjoy your leisure without disturbing ”I should…” thinking
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11. Setting and splitting objectives From big picture to small daily steps
1. Start with setting the long term objective: ”I will graduate in May 2020” (Remember also your other studies and responsibilities) 2. What sub-objectives does it include? Sub-objectives are smaller goals that takes you towards the main goal. ”I’ll concentrate on my first article during this Autumn”, ”I’ll write the abstract during December” 3. Focus on one sub-objective at a time and think carefully what steps it requires ”This week I’ll read literature/articles”, ”…I’ll analyze results” 4. Proceed systematically step by step ”Today I’ll go to the library”, ”…I’ll read 50 pages” 5. Notice and be happy about small successes “I read two articles, good job!”
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12. Plan your success
Plan your upcoming workweek and workday in advance - make it concrete
Calendar (weekly and daily)
”Where will I start/ continue tomorrow”
”To do” lists, ”buffet of tasks”
Learn to prioritize!
Evaluate and modify your plan: What is possible on weekly and daily basis?
Focus only on the things on hand! Since you’ve started from the big picture and cut it into sub- objectives, everything has their own time and place
Make a commitment! Doing difficult things arises also difficult emotions. Decide that you can make this.
If you forget your plan, don’t worry, just return to it as soon as possible.
Learn how you can encourage and support yourself. Self-compassionate attitude will help you !
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13. PROCRASTINATION https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P785j15Tzk
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14. Getting started on.. Start today Start despite of how you are feeling
Identify possible procrastination and time- killers  learn how to overcome them
Start with a small piece of work
Start with the easiest part
The ideal time for concentration is min, a short break is needed afterwards (pomodoro- technique)
Focus on the positive sides and outcomes
Prepare tomorrow’s work today
Tell your goals to others!
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15. Talk to your supervisor or colleagues about your situation
Clarify the structure of your thesis and focus on your research questions
Find new ways of doing and proceeding
Read about your research topic to find a new angle to it
Read a good (writing) guide
Loosen stringent requirements
Learn to tolerate difficult feelings!
Use free writing technique! Writing is a process and doing it over time refines the text
Make sure you’ve had enough of rest!
If you get stuck…
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16. Thank you and all the best with your studies!
” Challenges are what make life interesting and
overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.”
– Joshua J. Marine
Thank you
and all the best
with your studies!