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Nathan

Do One More Little Thing

Daily Post

There are big things that need to be done to get ready for the viva, but lots of small things too.

Small things build up. Small gains in preparation. Small tasks that set up larger activity.

If you’ve done everything on the “one little thing list” I shared last year, here are a few more little things that could help you get ready, when you’re tired or pressured or time is tight:

  • Write two sentences about one great paper you used.
  • Stick one Post-it in your thesis to mark something amazing.
  • Find one song that helps build you up and add it to a playlist.
  • Scribble down one question you think you could answer really well.
  • Take five minutes to just rest.

A thesis and a PhD are typically made up of big things. Lots of small things help stick them together. Small wins, small gains, small improvements.

Prep for the viva isn’t so different.

Nathan

Do One Little Thing

Daily Post

It’s 2020. You’re tired, you’re pressured, you’ve got no focus, you have a million and one other things to do and you still have to get ready for your viva.

My viva was a long time ago, but I empathise with anyone who feels like they can’t get things done right now. And yet still, you have to.

If any or all of those things are true, then do one little thing and then rest.

  • Put one bookmark in your thesis.
  • Write down one interesting question that comes to mind.
  • Find one nice piece of stationery to use in your prep.
  • Make a note of one person you can ask for help.
  • Take one Post-it Note and write “I can do it!” on it.
  • Stick that Post-it somewhere prominent in your workspace.

You can do it. You will do it. Despite tiredness, pressure, everything else you need to do and everything else going on around you, you can do it. There are lots of big things you might have to do to get ready, but lots of little things add up.

Do one little thing if you’re tired. Then rest. There’s still time.