A famous saying, or an approximation of it: if you think you can or think you can’t, you’re probably right.
Our mindset shapes how we view things and how we do things. If you don’t think something will work, you might not do your best to see if it will. If you’re confident of success then you’ll find a way even if you experience setbacks.
What kinds of mindsets could help with the viva?
- For submission: done is better than perfect.
- For prep: small tasks add up.
- For the viva itself: I am here to respond to my examiners’ questions (whatever they might be).
- For corrections: get them done, then move on!
A mindset, a sentence, a little saying – however you frame them they can motivate action and produce results. They are not the actions, but the framing for them.
For example, done is better than perfect puts limits on drafting and redrafting. It expresses an end-point. It gives a nudge for action – but then you have to take that action. You have to set a timetable, you have to do the work and decide when you stop.
I am here to respond to my examiners’ questions (whatever they might be) reminds you of what you have to do in the viva. To be ready you’ll need to rehearse, read and feel confident in what you do and say.
A mindset leads to action, the action embeds the mindset: a positive cycle that can lead to good outcomes.
