Motivate me to do some work on my thesis

[alarimer]

I have been a part-time graduate student (in fisheries) for seemingly forever. Well about 5 years anyway. I am finished with my classes and all that remains is the dreaded thesis project. Since I also work fulltime this has proven to be a challenge. The data are from my job (20 years worth of data collected, not all by me) so all that remains is the analysis. Easier said than done, since I have basically no clue. I work outdoors in Texas, on or near the water most of the time and when I get home (at least this time of year) I am wiped out. My professor expects (obviously) to do a little bit of work after my day job. I wish I could but all I want to do is lie on the couch and watch tv. That is pretty much all I want to do all the time anyway. I have accomplished exactly nothing lately, what with longer days at work, my folks visiting for a few days, my grandmothers illness (she is much better now). And numerous other excuses. So, do I need someone to hit me with a wet noodle or what? And here I am posting on DU, when all I really want to do is take a nap.

[Runcible Spoon]

1. get the fuck up, take a shot of vodka, and just START

even if you only get a page or two written, it will jump start you. Think incrementally-if you need to do data analysis, start with a nice screwdriver and sit somewhere pleasant with a lot of space around you. Break the data up into categories. Don't worry if the categories make sense at this point...just arrange the info around you and start to think about it. Have another drink. BUT I would also suggest unplugging yourself from the internets...which are sources of infinite procrastination...and perhaps bid farewell to DU for a while. Until you're half done, then post here again. As an advanced PhD student, my heart goes out to you :hug:

[alarimer]

2. Thanks

Yes I know I need to unplug for a while. Turn off the tv, etc.

[momophile]

3. maybe we can inspire each other.

I too have a thesis to do. But I am almost done - only several pages left. Problem is, I have a baby and almost never have time to sit down. I'm the type that needs no distractions - must be quiet for me to write. So that means after my baby has gone to sleep. And, just like you, I'm pooped by the end of the day. And to make it worse, I start an internship in a week, so I really need to finish writing before it starts. Did I mention I'm a very slow writer? I hate writing!!

I'll cheer for you, and maybe you can cheer for me?

Go alarimer!! Write that thesis!! Ra ra ra!!
:bounce:

[alarimer]

4. You got it!

Good luck.

I have to go someplace a little cooler because my apartment is HOT. My a/c cannot keep up. So I need to find someplace to work with few distractions, that is cool, and where I can plug my laptop in (it has a battery life of less than 2 hours). The library is good when it is open.

[Bossy Monkey]

5. The central phrase in your post is that you have no clue

You're going to have to talk to your professor, your colleagues, your fellow students or somebody until you can distill an actual thesis which you will then support and defend in the thesis paper. Of course you can't start writing; you don't have anything to write. I can relate; I farted around on my thesis for a couple-three years. As I've mentioned elsewhere, what finally got me kicked into gear was getting a drop-dead letter from my then best friend. I don't recommend this method.

[EstimatedProphet]

6. Motivation? I'll give you motivation!

I know very well how fisheries jobs work myself. I've been there with the Master's stuff. You will get NOWHERE without at least an M.S. Texas Parks and Wildlife will put you into a much better job with a Master's. Remember, the journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step. So, keep putting one foot in front of the other one and you'll get there.

[alarimer]

7. Thanks and I already know that about TPWD

I have applied numerous times for more advanced positions. Done very well on the interview but no dice so far. I think that also applies to just about any agency or organisation at least if you want to do anything more than technician-level work. I have been slow to realize that but it is a good motivator.
What I regret is not staying in grad school the first time. But that was a long time ago and I am (presumably) wiser. Or at least older.

[EstimatedProphet]

12. I had a friend of mine that got a more advanced position in MO

with the Department of Conservation, but she was lucky and that was the only time I ever heard of that happenning.

[gizmo1979]

8. Ah it can wait another day.

It's the weekend time to party live alittle!You have your whole life to work!Come on you know you want to.It's beautiful outside come on party.

[Xipe Totec]

9. Procrastination

http://mentalhelp.net/psyhelp/chap4/chap4r.htm

[alarimer]

10. good info there

I am definitely a tense-afraid procrastinator.

[Generic Brad]

11. Chop-Chop

After you complete your thesis, then you can goof around and nap all you want. Get your work done now, and then you have your whole remaining lifetime to play. Just a friendly word of advice from someone who has been there and done that.