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Tag: Friday the 13th

Nathan

An Unlucky Date?

Daily Post

I very rarely say “good luck” to someone – and in particular I don’t say it to a PhD candidate who has their viva in the near future.

I don’t believe in superstitions but have written before about my good day socks, the paperweight on my desk and listening to music to help me get ready.

Good luck and superstitions? No.

Best wishes and support? Yes!

Your viva won’t be harmed if it is on Friday the 13th. You won’t pass your viva because of your socks either but you might feel better if you do things to steer your confidence and nervousness.

You don’t need luck but you might benefit from taking specific actions, using placebos or rituals to help you feel better.

 

If you’re not sure what you need to steer your confidence then the process is simple. Reflect on what you could try to come up with options. Then decide on what you will do.

You don’t need luck to pass your viva – but you might need help to build your confidence.

Nathan

Black Cats, Ladders and Spilled Salt

Daily Post

The date and other omens of “bad luck” don’t need to weigh too heavily on you ahead of your viva. Success is not due to luck. You don’t need to ward off bad luck by crossing the road to avoid a dark feline or throw salt over your left shoulder if you’re clumsy in the kitchen.

You don’t need a talisman or something lucky in the viva either. You need to have worked hard for years. You need to have learned about what to expect. You need to have prepared.

Typically, those are not too much to expect in advance of a viva.

You don’t need good luck for your viva, but you might need a good story. You might need to think again about how you got this far. You might need to remember what you did and recognise it for the confidence it can inspire.