Can't stop Procrastination!
In a moment of delirium I decided to consider the University's guidelines for thesis writing. Thank goodness I did because if I hadn't I wouldn't have come across this handy advice:
'Distractions: When interesting byways and side paths present themselves in the course of research, it is necessary to be ruthless in setting aside such matters for later, when the thesis is completed. In some cases, this can require an re-negotiation of relationships or a postponing of political, social or sports, etc. activities until the work is done.
AND
Perfectionism: Many people are never satisfied with their accomplishments. But this drive can often mean the difference between getting it perfect and getting it finished...Everyone can always find something wrong with any research project; not every one can complete one.'
There are other pearls of wisdom in there like the aptly named 'slow start in research' or the oft overlooked 'spending too long in background work/literature search'--however, I think any further transcription of Common Pitfalls and Delays will push me perilously close to the edge of 'distraction'.
I was also much pleased with the nifty writing style adopted in this wee section of 2004-2005 Member Handbook and Dayplanner published by Carleton's relentlessly hardworking Graduate Students Association (also known as Local 78).
'Distractions: When interesting byways and side paths present themselves in the course of research, it is necessary to be ruthless in setting aside such matters for later, when the thesis is completed. In some cases, this can require an re-negotiation of relationships or a postponing of political, social or sports, etc. activities until the work is done.
AND
Perfectionism: Many people are never satisfied with their accomplishments. But this drive can often mean the difference between getting it perfect and getting it finished...Everyone can always find something wrong with any research project; not every one can complete one.'
There are other pearls of wisdom in there like the aptly named 'slow start in research' or the oft overlooked 'spending too long in background work/literature search'--however, I think any further transcription of Common Pitfalls and Delays will push me perilously close to the edge of 'distraction'.
I was also much pleased with the nifty writing style adopted in this wee section of 2004-2005 Member Handbook and Dayplanner published by Carleton's relentlessly hardworking Graduate Students Association (also known as Local 78).