In one of my writing groups, my friends and I are thinking about how to keep writing our dissertations in the midst of a pandemic. Affirmations have always kept me grounded. I know they can also be helpful to nurture and sustain a consistent writing practice. After today’s meeting, I felt inspired to write more dissertation-specific affirmations (you can find the first set I wrote - way back in November - in this earlier post).

I hope fellow All-But-Dissertation PhD students find them encouraging. You can carry on.

Dissertation Affirmations, Part 2

• I have faith in my ability and capacity to finish a dissertation that is aligned with my values, my interests, and my ideas

• I only focus on what I can control and I face what I cannot control with patience and resilience

• I work on my dissertation every single weekday; small progress (yes, even a single word or sentence) is still progress

• I give myself grace and kindness during the writing process

• I am surrounded by people who love me and believe in my ability to finish my dissertation

• I connect to resources that encourage me to have a healthy and fulfilling PhD journey

• I prioritize my mental health; my work is better when I feel well

• I honor my body’s need for movement, sunshine, fresh air, and rest

• I become a better writing with each word I write

• I believe in my project and I know that I can carry it through to the end