POTUS 26 and Dissertations

October 27th marks the birthday of the 26th President of the United States. Here’s some words of wisdom from Theodore Roosevelt that you can apply to your dissertation…

Believe you can and you’re halfway there.
— Theodore Roosevelt

Set your sights on graduation. Leverage your previous successes into confidence that you can achieve your goal.

Many doctoral students romanticize the dissertation, putting it so high on a pedestal that they couldn’t possibly reach it.

Your dissertation won’t change the world, but it will change your world. Believe that you can do it. Give yourself permission to be successful, and you’re at least halfway there.

When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.
— Theodore Roosevelt

Persistence is paramount for the dissertation. You have to lean into it and keep your feet moving.

The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.
— Theodore Roosevelt

You’re dissertation is done when your committee approves it. Not when it’s right. Not when you’re done with it. When your committee says so.

Getting a long with your committee and figuring out how to give them what they want is ultimately what makes a doctor out of a doctoral student.

Whatever you think of your committee, don’t forget that they are instrumental in your success.

Speak softly and carry a big stick.
— Theodore Roosevelt

I couldn’t very well write a blog post on Theodore Roosevelt and not include his most famous quote.

People often think of this quote as a call for force over diplomacy. But, you could also make an argument for a interpretation of action over reaction.

Don’t whine about the inequities of the dissertation process. Instead put forth a concerted effort to improve each draft so that you can earn your committee’s approval and graduate.