Make the Transition Into Your Work

After years of observing doctoral students, it has become clear to me that there is one moment that creates more difficulty for motivation and productivity than any other: the transition from not working to doing actual, meaningful dissertation work.

This is the moment when you must shift your energy and focus away from activities such as:

  • Checking email

  • Watching television

  • Organizing research materials

  • Making action plans

  • Doing anything other than dissertation work

and toward actually writing, analyzing data, or engaging deeply with your dissertation.

Many students struggle to make this transition and instead fill their time with alternate activities. Some only manage to begin real work when a deadline looms or fear sets in. Learning how to make this transition more easily, without relying on stress or negative consequences, is an essential productivity skill.

 

The Cold Pool Analogy

I think about making the transition into dissertation work as similar to entering a swimming pool that is below 80 degrees.

My parents have a beautiful pool that always looks inviting—until you actually try to get in. They refuse to heat it, believing that heating a pool is like pouring money down the drain (a position I mostly agree with, except when I’m about to enter the water).

Every time I get into their pool, I follow the same pattern:

  • I walk down the steps slowly

  • I try to ease myself in

  • I complain internally about the cold

  • I consider turning around and getting out

Eventually, I realize I have two choices: either jump in and get it over with or get out altogether.

When I finally take the full-body plunge, it feels briefly unpleasant, but then I am relieved and refreshed. And yet, the next time, I repeat the same hesitant ritual.

 

Wading vs. Diving Into Your Work

I have found that making the transition into academic work feels very similar.

When I first began writing this book, my “wading” behaviors included:

  • Checking email

  • Returning phone calls

  • Paying bills

  • Making tea and snacking

Then I would move on to writing-adjacent tasks such as:

  • Fiddling with my outline

  • Reading other dissertation books (and panicking)

  • Organizing my desk

  • Editing previous writing

I justified all of this by telling myself, “I’m working on my book—even if I’m not writing.”

 

Learning to Dive In

During a summer visit to my parents’ home, I realized that these habits were my version of slowly wading into cold water.

I began pushing myself to dive directly into writing, starting each session with a specific section or subsection rather than circling around the work.

For me, this requires a burst of energy, much like the mental effort it takes to jump into a cold pool. It feels uncomfortable at first, but once I am engaged, I warm up quickly and forget how hard it was to start.

You can finish your dissertation by wading into your work, but it will likely take much longer than if you learn how to dive in more readily.

Practice Making the Transition

Making the transition into meaningful work is not easy, but it is a skill you can practice.

With consistent effort, you can become better at:

  • Noticing when you are avoiding the transition

  • Interrupting “wading” behaviors

  • Diving into real work more quickly

The more often you practice, the easier the transition becomes.

Ways to “Warm Up the Pool”

You can also make diving in less painful by finding ways to “warm up the pool.”

Helpful strategies include:

  • Breaking work into small, doable chunks

  • Creating clear timelines and action plans

  • Using the 15-minute rule

  • Planning small actions to start the day

  • Working alongside a friend

  • Asking someone to hold you accountable

  • Preparing materials before a work session

  • Maintaining an organized work environment

  • Practicing reasonable expectations for productivity

Notice What Helps You Dive In

As you work on improving your ability to transition into productive sessions, pay attention to what:

  • Warms up the pool

  • Makes it easier to dive in

  • Helps you stay engaged once you start

Over time, you can intentionally design your work habits to make transitions smoother and less painful. With practice, diving into your dissertation work can become more natural—and much more efficient—than endlessly wading at the edge.

This article was written by Alison Miller, PhD, founder of The Dissertation Coach, a business dedicated to helping doctoral and master’s students successfully earn their graduate degrees.

 

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