Publish or Perish

You are not a doctoral student or academic if you have never heard the mantra “Publish or perish”.  The excitement I experience at the beginning of a project begins to wane as I progress from idea to research and is pretty much dead by the time I begin writing. What is it about writing that unearths all things buried?  All the self doubt not so gently surfaces. The process is slow and there is no satisfaction until it is done! That’s it.  At each step, there are several opportunities to perish. But I keep going. That is what is about. Keep writing no matter how bad it is.   The last few months have taught me how tough I can be on myself. In one way it has suited me well because I challenge myself and push forward. If this were easy, everyone would have a PhD. If you are struggling, stay the course, do the work and please take care of yourself.

-Always be learning