When faced with the unknown, it is difficult to claim anything with certainty. But, even precarious seasons offer opportunities to affirm what we do know. Reminding ourselves of what we do know can comfort our heart and ease our worries.

Right now, many PhD students are worried. Restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19, in particular, have placed obstacles on what we assumed to be clear paths to completion. And while these obstacles are too heavy to simply roll out of the way, we can still take small actions to carry on. Whether we turn to our faith for guidance or make time to read books for motivation (I highly recommend Ryan Holiday’s The Obstacle Is The Way ), we can do more than simply wait for the obstacles to disappear.

Something I like to do is write affirmations. Affirmations remind me of what I do know and of what is within my capacity. If you are working on your dissertation, I hope these affirmations also encourage you.

Dissertation Affirmations, Part 3

• Each day, I do at least one small thing related to my dissertation.

• I make my working environment as pleasant as possible so that I can feel comfortable and joyful during writing sessions.

• I celebrate all progress.

• I do what I can with what is available to me to move my project along.

• I know who to connect with when I have questions and I reach out promptly with kindness and curiosity.

• I am kind to myself during this season. I remember to stay grateful. I say and I believe:

  • Thank you, body, for being a good home. Thank you for sustaining me as I think, read, and write.

  • Thank you, mind, for helping me make sense of this season, for guiding me through this experience.

  • Thank you, self, for doing your best. Thank you for waking up each day and trying. Your best is enough. Your best is enough. Your best is enough.

• I share my ideas and concerns with people I trust, understanding that we will get through this together.

• My project is moving along. My project is interesting and important because it reflects what is interesting and important to me, and this is valuable.

• There are many distractions, but I stay focused on my dissertation because it requires the majority of my time and energy.

• I gracefully inform the people around me of my boundaries; I express what is within my capacity as I work on my dissertation. Those who love me, respect and understand.

• I will finish this dissertation to the best of my ability, in ways that are most comfortable and feasible for me at this point in time.

If you liked these affirmations, you can also read Part 1 and Part 2. You got this!