Hi friend!

October and November brought their share of challenges – and surprises. Both my kids ended up in the ER (yes, you read that right!). One with a „broken“ arm (which turned out to be an “unreal” fracture – ever heard of a Chassaignac fracture? I hadn’t!) and the other with a broken leg. Let’s just say, it was a busy couple of months. Moments like these have a way of reshuffling priorities – work and deadlines naturally take a backseat.

But once things calmed down, I found myself back at my desk, staring at a blank page. And honestly? It felt like running into a wall. Getting started again after a pause – whether it’s on a thesis, a paper, or just a daunting to-do list – can feel like the hardest step.

If you’re in that space right now, juggling life and feeling stuck with your research, know that you’re not alone. And more importantly, there’s always a way forward. Let’s tackle it together.

Here’s how you can take that very first step:

🧗‍♀️ Breaking Through the Block

Starting (or re-starting) can feel impossible, but it’s easier when you take it one step at a time. Here’s how:

1️ – Structure and Format First

Start by creating a basic outline or template for your work (DOWNLOAD MY TEMPLATE HERE). Use headings and subheadings to map out what you’ll include in each section. Even a rough structure can help break the blank-page curse and give you direction.

2 – Then Start Messy

Your first draft doesn’t have to shine; it just has to exist. Think of it as a conversation with yourself – no judgment, just ideas flowing.

3 – Build Your Foundation

Structure is a writer’s best friend. Map out your sections – Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion – and tackle them one by one. I explain every little step in detail in my “How to Write Your Thesis in 30 Days” workbook” (same in the “How to write a Paper” Workbook!). Both make this process simple and actionable.

4 – Focus on Your Why

Think about the purpose of your work: What problem are you solving? How does it contribute to your field or audience? When you’re connected to your “why,” staying motivated becomes easier, and your topic gains clarity.

🔍 Finding Your Focus

Feeling stuck choosing a topic? Don’t worry – narrowing it down is often the hardest part. The key is to find something that’s both meaningful to you and impactful in your field. Here are a few tips to get you started:Still not sure where to begin? Here are some tips to narrow down your topic:

• Look at Gaps in Research: Recent papers often highlight questions that remain unanswered – opportunities for you to explore.
• Consider Professional Recommendations: Position papers or guidelines can point you toward high-impact areas.
• Review Past Projects: Previous theses in your field might inspire ideas or reveal untapped potential.

🚀 Then: Staying the Course

Once you’re on your way, consistency is the key to success.

• Set Daily Goals: Even a small amount of progress adds up over time.
• Seek Early Feedback: Don’t be afraid to share your work. Constructive input will help you refine and stay motivated. Ask your thesis buddy for feedback!

💡 Ready to Make Progress?

If this resonates with you, my “How to Write Your Thesis in 30 Days” Workbook could be exactly what you need. It’s designed to help you move forward step by step, no matter how busy or overwhelmed you feel. As always, you can find all of my (free) resources here!

Here’s to making progress – no matter how messy or imperfect it may feel. You’ve got this!