I stopped trying to write a perfect dissertation. I'm just trying to finish

[Jane]

For years, I thought my dissertation had to be perfect. It had to change the field. It had to be a masterpiece. I'd never finish.

My advisor said: "Your dissertation doesn't have to change the world. It just has to be a solid contribution that you can finish."

I didn't believe her. I thought if it wasn't perfect, I was failing.

Then I read dissertations of people I admire. They were good. They were not perfect. They had gaps. Limitations. Unanswered questions. They were finished.

I'm letting go of perfect.

• I'm not adding more sources just to add them.
• I'm not rewriting paragraphs that are already clear.
• I'm not obsessing over word count.
• I'm letting some things be good enough.

I'm focusing on finishing.

• Writing the sections I've been avoiding.
• Submitting chapters even when they're not perfect.
• Trusting that my committee will help me fix what needs fixing.

I'm stopping the all-nighters.
I thought working longer would get me done faster. It didn't. I was exhausted. My writing was worse. Now I stop at midnight. I sleep. I come back in the morning.

I'm telling people what I need.
My advisor gave me extensions. My friends brought food. My mom called to say she's proud. I used to hide. Now I ask.

I'm not writing a perfect dissertation. I'm writing a dissertation I can be proud of. Then I'm moving on.

A friend who defended last year said: "Your dissertation is a starting point, not an ending. You'll have your whole career to refine your ideas. For now, just get it done."

I'm ready to be done.