One of the most momentous decisions that can shape not only your professional, but also your personal path is to begin studying for a doctorate or postdoctorate. If you are currently considering this or are already immersed in this academic process,
it is ideal to make a difference by using personal development techniques and principles.
Rather than simply completing the established program, it is about a true, profound transformation.
Among the most effective and universal frameworks that serve as a guide is Stephen R. Covey's “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Despite having been published way back in 1989, this book remains a reference,
standing the test of time, and of course, an excellent foundation for your path to a PhD. Later, we will explore how these habits can become powerful allies for those pursuing their doctorate or postdoctorate, especially if it is in a distance learning and online format.
Embarking on this path involves many things, including uncertainty, sacrifices, and especially existential questions such as,
“When is the best time in life to pursue a doctorate?”
But even so,
being proactive means taking full responsibility for your academic choices.
This does not mean that you should hold back until you have the ideal conditions, but rather that you should act with determination.
More than 50% of doctoral students in the United States do not successfully complete their program, according to The Education Data Initiative. Far from being a lack of ability, it is actually an emotional disconnect from what is being done, and also a lack of initiative.
If you act proactively, you are more than likely to find solutions instead of excuses.
Practical tip: You can create your own schedule, propose your own topics, and contact a tutor regularly, without needing to be constantly reminded. Be the leader of your own process.
Doctorates are more than just an academic goal. They are a tool for achieving a greater purpose, influencing others, becoming a leader, and transforming realities. Starting with a goal in mind allows you to stay motivated, even when faced with difficult challenges.
For a moment, just imagine your name being associated with research that benefits members of the community. See yourself as a lecturer, consultant, or mentor. Keeping that in mind will be a constant reminder of why it's worth continuing.
According to the World Economic Forum, 65% of tomorrow's jobs will require advanced analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. A doctorate is a platform that will help you develop these competencies.
Are you working and studying for a PhD?
This point is especially useful for people who combine work, family, and studies. Doctorates require you to maintain a high level of concentration, and this is only achievable when you prioritize the essentials.
Put Covey's matrix into practice to organize your activities
Inside Higher Ed conducted a study showing that students who choose to set a clear schedule are 40% more likely to make steady progress on their dissertation. Here is an example of how you could apply the Covey Matrix, which divides your tasks into four quadrants according to their degree of importance.
Important and relevant: Delivering articles, deadlines.
Important but not urgent: Critical reading, writing every day.
Not important but urgent: Responding to emails.
Not important or urgent: Social media, distractions.
Along the way, you will interact with advisors, colleagues, and reviewers. Incorporating this habit means that you will be able to maintain relationships based on mutual respect and, of course, cooperation.
It is important to avoid the mindset that “if there is a winner, there must be a loser,” as this only leads to isolation and stress.
Applicable examples: Encourage co-authorship with colleagues, share what you have, and try as much as possible to support those who are in the process of research. Healthy academic networks will strengthen your path.
When it comes to academics, it is common for us to prioritize our own arguments without giving importance to those of others. Despite this, it is important to listen carefully to your tutor, understand their observations, and connect with them. Of course, listening to the comments of reviewers will save you moments of frustration,
which is equivalent to saving a lot of time.
Tips to put into practice: When receiving feedback, don't take it personally. Far from being a personal criticism, read it with an open mind, ask questions with humility, and transform your work based on your understanding.
Creating synergy involves broadly valuing diverse ideas, thereby enabling us to achieve significantly better results. If we apply this to the context of a distance learning PhD, collaborations on digital platforms with other researchers in Latin America can broaden your perspectives.
For example, when participating in virtual conferences, reading groups, or discussion forums within the university, each perspective and each voice is completely different, thus adding nuance to your work.
Likewise, according to Nature, scientific publications with multiple authors are up to 60% more likely to be cited. Synergy is something that, in addition to improving content, also enhances its visibility.
This wonderful doctoral journey can be lonely and very demanding. If you decide not to take care of yourself, your performance may suffer. This means that it is important to invest in your personal well-being on a regular basis.
Practice the following recommendations:
Take time to rest each week without feeling guilty.
Learn mindfulness or meditation techniques and
grow your mindset with your doctoral thesis
Maintain healthy social relationships, even if they are only virtual.
Relevant statistic: 47% of doctoral students report having severe to moderate signs of anxiety or depression. According to the Nature 2021 Global PhD Survey, taking care of yourself is vital to true academic success.
Applying the 7 habits will not only increase your chances of academic success, but also give you the opportunity to become a leader with clear goals, discipline, and resilience. This journey is much more than just a degree; it is about becoming the best and most complete version of yourself.
A distance learning doctorate gives you the freedom to study from anywhere in the world, at your own pace, without neglecting your work or family commitments. Trust that you have everything you need to achieve your goals. You just need to strengthen the right habits, and you will succeed.
Take the first step towards a path full of success. Start your doctoral thesis today!