A thesis is part of almost all degrees. The completion of a thesis, diploma work, dissertation, or another final project usually comes at the end of your studies, signifying a transition from the familiar student world to working life.
Almost every student experiences insecurity and anxiety at some point in creating what is often their first scientific output.
WHEN A THESIS GETS STUCK
Thesis work often involves questions related to graduating and transitioning to working life, as well as independence and personal identity. Your perception of yourself and your abilities will have a big impact on your experience of thesis work.
If your thesis is not progressing, the stagnation may be caused by your long-held beliefs and ideas about yourself.
Stop and think about what is actually holding up the work. Once you identify the obstacle, you will be able to get rid of it. The stagnation may be caused by long-held beliefs and ideas about yourself. They may not necessarily be true, but they can still have a strong influence on your thesis.
You may feel that your abilities are not up to the job. You may also demand too much of yourself to the extent that everything you write feels inadequate. Self-criticism can censor and invalidate your ideas and thoughts before you are even really aware of them.
You can learn to change your thoughts, and self-criticism can be reduced. Stop and think about what belief or mindset is behind such self-deprecating criticism. When you reach a reasonable balance between your personal standards and autonomy, creativity will take hold and working towards a goal will become possible.
THE INDEPENDENT GRIND SHOULD NOT FEEL LONELY
Working on a thesis requires an ability to think independently. However, this does not mean that you should do the work entirely on your own, without support from others. On the contrary – it is often feedback that helps you be more realistic about your abilities.
When you can realistically see the work required for a thesis, you can get going. Every writer faces moments of stagnation and problems for which there is no immediate solution. The most important thing is to believe that problems can be overcome.
Problems are a necessary part of creative work, and they can be solved. However, if you start to lose faith in your abilities, it’s not a good idea to stay on your own. You should seek support. You should be brave enough to talk to your thesis supervisor about any problems you are having with the thesis and ask about any unclear points.
SUPPORT FOR THE THESIS FROM VARIOUS SOURCES
If you find it difficult to write a thesis, don’t hesitate to seek help.
You can get support from guidebooks, other students, student psychologists, and student health services, for example.
The Gradutakuu blog has accumulated a large number of posts on various topics related to the thesis process. On the Gradutakuu website, you can also discuss the process of working on your thesis.
Student psychologists guide and advise students on various matters related to their studies.
A psychological consultation can address motivation problems, exam anxiety, time management, or difficulties with the thesis and writing process. You may also need psychological study counselling after a break in your studies.
STUDENTS SUPPORTING EACH OTHER
You can set up a peer support group for discussing issues and feelings related to thesis work. Sharing experiences with others in the same situation creates a feeling of not being alone. It will further encourage and support you in your thesis. Many universities also organise groups and courses to help you with your thesis.