Winston Churchill and Dissertations
April 9th is National Winston Churchill Day. As Prime Minister, Churchill led Britain through the darkest days of World War II. Here are a few words of wisdom from Winston Churchill for dissertation students everywhere.…
“I am easily satisfied with the very best.”
— Winston Churchill
The notion of perfectionism is likely familiar to you as a doctoral student. In fact, it’s most likely exactly what enabled you to become a doctoral student in the first place. However, if you cannot let go of this mindset, you will likely remain a doctoral student. graduation is about getting comfortable with good enough and making that happen.
“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”
— Winston Churchill
Persistence is key to conquering any great challenge. No real challenge will ever lay itself out in front of you so that you can walk right over it. True challenges fight back. They win more than their fair share of the battles. It’s up to you to figure the right strategy to win the war.
“If you’re going through hell, keep going.”
— Winston Churchill
Persistence, again, which is fitting, I suppose, but I like this quote much better. If you’re not enjoying the dissertation process, why stop or even slow down in the middle of it? Don’t concede momentum; press on. Find the shortest path through and stick to it tenaciously.
“Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”
— Winston Churchill
Churchill was referring to the British forces first major victory over German, driving Rommel from Egypt. This was a vitally important moment in world history which marked the turning point of World War II.
Without trivializing the importance of this moment to the British people, and the world at large, this quote can also apply to your dissertation. Your dissertation is not the end. Instead, it marks the beginning of your life as a doctor! That’s why your graduation ceremony is called your commencement.
If you feel like you’re losing the battle and the war when it comes to your dissertation, 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.
