Planning and time investment

Writing a thesis is a significant assignment that requires time management.
Good short- and long-term planning is crucial.

• Formulate interim goals 

• Mark in your calendar all the hard deadlines for your thesis
  The hard deadlines are listed in the thesis guidelines (e.g., submission of research plan, draft submission, etc.)

• Break down these major deadlines or goals into subtasks or intermediate goals
  Examples of intermediate objectives: 
  - write a research plan
  - literature survey
  - written out a literature review
• Set deadlines for these subtasks
  Discuss and agree on these deadlines with your supervisor to align expectations.

• Plan realistically
  Make your schedule achievable

• Dedicate time each week to work on your thesis
  For example, you can reserve fixed time slots (e.g., every evening) or fixed (half) days weekly to work on your thesis.
• Set micro goals for yourself
  e.g., a certain amount  of days to write out a specific part of your thesis
• Provide enough time for relaxation, social activities and sports to maintain productivity and well-being
• Remember that several days will pass before you receive feedback from your supervisor

• A schedule is flexible
  Sometimes, your planning doesn't go as expected; that's normal!
  Expect the unexpected and build buffers into your schedule. 

For example, if your deadline is May 15, aim to complete your work by May 13, leaving two extra days for unforeseen things.

Do you find yourself putting off working on your thesis?
Time to tackle procrastination!

• Why are you procrastinating?

• Lack of interest in your subject?
  Check the topic “My subject is not my thing - what now?"
• Uncertainty about expectations?
  No idea where to start?
  - Re-read the thesis guide for clarification
  - Start by searching for literature (check the section 'Gather literature')
  - Work out a writing schedule (check the section 'The writing process')
• Difficult finding time to work on your thesis?
  No experience with planning?
  - Check out the topic 'Planning and time investment' 
• Demotivated after supervisor feedback?
  - Check the “ Received feedback?” section for tips on handling feedback constructively
• Stress or fear of failure?
  Check our e-module stress management for resources to cope with these feelings.

• Start with a section you feel confident about or enjoy
  This reduces procrastination and provides more motivation to start.
  - Some tips to limit procrastination in a thesis (website)
  Would you like to work on your procrastination with personal guidance?
  - Schedule a meeting with your study coach.