thesis crunch
With the end of my contract looming and lots of work remaining on my PhD thesis, I recently found a tool that works for me during this part of the project. I am currently editing an article before submitting to a journal, meaning my work consists of mostly rewriting and less adding new text.
First, I read the draft and make a list of edits. I try to narrow the tasks to be about one topic, not whole paper sections. Then I pull out an A4 sheet with a monthly calendar and add the edits to it. Usually I divide the day into two, before and after lunch. This means each task has a deadline, so I don't get stuck on one section and neglect the rest.
If I finish early, I either start tomorrow's task or simply go home. Sometimes going home is the best motivation. If I complete a day's tasks I put a stamp or sticker on the day, and if I collect enough I treat myself to something when I wrap up a task. I'm working on these edits for two weeks, so that's my current time span.
Honestly, sometimes the PhD feels like I'm just battling my own brain, trying to figure out how to trick myself into working. Including when the topic is interesting!