The Foxx, the Dame, and Dissertations

December 9th is marks the birthday of Redd Foxx and Dame Judi Dench. Think that’s an odd pair of dissertation mentors? Read on to see what they have to say…

I have no control over a film. I don’t know what will be left on the cutting floor.
— Dame Judi Dench

Just as few actors or directors get final approval over their films, you have to come to grips with the fact that your dissertation isn’t really yourdissertation. In a real sense it’s your committee’s dissertation. So, just give’m what they want!

This is the big one! You hear that, Elizabeth? I’m coming to join ya, honey!
— Redd Foxx

It is the big one, but it’s not gonna kill you!

How do you eat an elephant? …One bite at a time!

Plan the work, work the plan, and you’ll gt there.

It is not good to cross the bridge before you get to it.
— Dame Judi Dench

There’s a lot to be done to complete your dissertation. But, some students worry about things over which they have little or no control.

Don’t obsess over a draft out of worry that your committee won’t like it. As Dr. Steven Covey would say, you must put first things first.

First, you write. Then they critique. Then you revise, if necessary.

Trying to revise your work while you’re writing, and before you’ve heard from your committee is a fool’s errand. Don’t cross that bridge before you get to it!