Motivation

I'm given to bursts of motivation and much time when I'm not motivated at all to work on my dissertation. All the dissertation-writing books, common sense, and past dissertation writers I've known say that in order to finish, one must be consistently motivated. For a while I've had my "write first" rule in place, along with my "write for 15 minutes a day" rule. I'm getting better at the 15 minutes a day, but if I don't manage to write at the beginning of naptime (my first opportunity), I often get stalled until it's almost time for bed--many hours of work time spent on things other than work.

So here's my new plan. I have my Google Calendar email me twice a day (right before my work times should start) with an 'event' that is really a list of reasons I want to work on and finish my dissertation. So far it seems to be helping. I've been more productive this week than I have in a while. Of course, the test will be if it's still working in a few months.

Here's my list:

-I'll be following my vocation.

-I'll feel as if I've accomplished something important.

-I won't be a quitter.

-I'll learn a ton and be an expert in my field.

-I'll be proud of writing a book-length work.

-I'll be able to have an idea of how to move ahead with writing--either revising the dissertation or doing other writing.

-I'll be qualified to get a job teaching at a small liberal arts college. [my dream job]

-I'll have a degree that makes me even more employable, if I needed or wanted to be employed. [This one is certainly arguable, but a PhD would at least give me a higher pay rate at most jobs I'd want.]

-I'll have a chance every day to do something that I love to do (that's not directly related to kids). [currently, my most motivating reason]

-I'll be able to really tell my kids that dedication and hard work can pay off.

-No one can ever take a PhD away from me. [OK, there might be someone, but it's just not very likely.]

-I'll be fulfilling a dream.

-I'll be able to write "Dr." in front of my name or "PhD" behind it. And even both at once, if I'm feeling like flouting convention.

What's your list?