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Tag: good luck

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

Practical Support Beats Good Luck

Daily Post

Your supervisors, colleagues, friends and family can do more to help than simply wish you the best.

Your supervisors can offer focussed support, a mock viva and the benefit of their experience.

Colleagues can provide a sympathetic ear, share expectations and ask relevant questions.

Friends and family can help make a good space for you to get ready. If you tell them more of what you’re going through they can help make a difference to your prep and to your viva.

Practical support is much better than being wished good luck.

Nathan

Unhelpful Things…

Daily Post

…to say to friends who have their viva coming up:

  • “Good luck!”
  • “Don’t worry!”
  • “You’ll be fine, nearly no-one fails!”

Better things to say include:

  • “You’re talented, don’t forget!”
  • “What can I do to help?”
  • “How are you doing?”

And if you’ve had a viva and it was fine, don’t just tell your friend that they’ll be fine. Tell them why you were fine. Tell them your story, short and simple, but with enough to help them see what the viva can be like – and what helped you be ready for yours.