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

Monograph or article-based dissertation?  Goals and sub-goals 16.9.2018 Lisää tarvittaessa alatunnisteteksti

Monograph or article-based dissertation?  Goals and sub-goals In a research group or by yourself?  Social support 16.9.2018 Lisää tarvittaessa alatunnisteteksti

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 16.9.2018 Lisää tarvittaessa alatunnisteteksti

Review your previous studies/other independent projects Which working methods supported your proceeding? What were the challenges you faced? 16.9.2018

…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? 16.9.2018 Lisää tarvittaessa alatunnisteteksti

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 16.9.2018

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 16.9.2018

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 16.9.2018

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 16.9.2018 Lisää tarvittaessa alatunnisteteksti

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!” 16.9.2018 Lisää tarvittaessa alatunnisteteksti

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 ! 16.9.2018 Lisää tarvittaessa alatunnisteteksti

PROCRASTINATION https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P785j15Tzk 16.9.2018 Lisää tarvittaessa alatunnisteteksti

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 20-50 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! 16.9.2018 Lisää tarvittaessa alatunnisteteksti

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… 16.9.2018 Lisää tarvittaessa alatunnisteteksti

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!