Intention and Attention

When learning new stuffs, two factors are required. Initially gather enough intention to learn it. Then pay enough attention to it. Without these two factors, learning doesn’t happen.

Doctoral Advice

Out of circumstances, I have spent some time coaching a few part time PhD and DBA candidates, for free. And they have all graduated.

Recalling my conversation with them, my top advice is listed below:

1. PhD is meant to be 'PhinisheD', so is DBA. They are not meant to be perfect. PhD/DBA research projects aren't the end themselves. Don't be a perfectionist.
2. PhD / DBA isn't enlarged Master degree with larger scope. It is a different animal. "Contribution" is the keyword.
3. Put up structure in your life and your study. Structure means fixing time and space to do specific things, especially those contributing to the study. Manage your doctoral research just like you would with regular work project. You need to put in commitment and resources.
4. Meet your supervisor regularly. This will set the rhythm, or heartbeat of your study. Make sure you make some progress every time you meet him/her. Keep your supervisor enthusiastic about you and your work.
5. Do not underestimate the egos of the examiners. Many examiners think it's their job to fail you. Get ready.
6. Manage your ego too. Take criticism positively.
7. Get support from family members. Without it you can't make it.

Structure: Time, Space and Matter

In the final analysis, structure determines time, space and matter - the fundamental ingredients that make up the universe. Having structure gives us stability such that we have enough time to put in enough effort to accomplish things. Structure fixes when (time) and where (space) we do what we do (matter). With a structure in place, our struggles become effortless, just like a tree with strong trunk that can easily ride through storms.

Yet structure is often deemed lack of freedom. In the age of personal freedom, more and more people give up structure that our culture gives us. The consequence is not hard to imaging - our coming generations will be less structured in their lives, easily swayed by popular culture, and have to struggle harder to achieve what we used to achieve quite naturally.