Bad Luck and Dissertations
March 13th is National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day, which is all about dispelling myths about bad luck. But, you shouldn’t simply follow or dismiss advice that you don’t understand, especially when it’s about your dissertation…
Don’t open an umbrella indoors. Don’t walk under a ladder. The number, 13.
We all “know” these things are “unlucky.” But does that mean that we should avoid them at all costs? Isn’t “luck” just made-up nonsense? So, shouldn’t we just ignore all warnings about bad luck?
Well, no, kind of, and no.
Superstitions, like rumors, are often based in fact. It’s important to understand the facts behind the warning, so that you can judge for yourself.
I recently read an article about Open an Umbrella Indoors Day, and the author said that you should try it, just to prove it’s not bad luck. But then he non-ironically admonished his readers to make sure that they didn’t knock anything over or poke anyone in the eye during the attempt. Well, that’s the whole point, though, isn’t it!?!
Similarly, when someone tells you to find a dissertation topic you’re passionate about or to choose a specific research methodology, you shouldn’t accept their advice at face value. Be a critical consumer of information. Understand the advice; don’t just follow it.
If you’re looking for good advice concerning what to do and what not to do for your dissertation that you want to understand and apply, click here to schedule a quick, 15-minute chat with me to see if you’re a good fit for our Fast Track Your Dissertation Coaching Program. If you are, then I’ll invite you to join the fastest group of dissertation students out there and help you to reach graduation a good year or two faster than you would on your own.
