How to complete your thesis | reporter
Final theses at the end of a degree program present a challenge for many students. Months of work, often done alone, have to be juggled with leisure time and work. All too often, it's difficult to stay motivated and avoid constantly procrastinating – especially when there's no deadline.
The word "procrastination" has been on everyone's lips for some time now. It describes the persistent postponement of important tasks without any real need or reason. There are numerous guides online on how to overcome this feeling.
Timm wants to finally finish his own thesis and is therefore seeking advice on your behalf. He's having a consultation with Angelika Wuttke, who works at the Psychological Counseling Center at the University of Düsseldorf.
Here's a summary of all the tips and tricks from the film:
Tip 1: Silence your inner critic – for example, by working at night
Tip 2: It doesn't have to be perfect right away
Tip 3: Set realistic goals and priorities correctly
Tip 4: Start work with a fixed ritual
Tip 5: Consciously take breaks
Tip 6: Keep a work journal that consciously documents only your progress
Tip 7: Find a dedicated study space
Tip 8: Find music to help you concentrate
Tip 9: Write handover notes to make the transition easier
Ms. Wuttke also made another point clear: "Often the problem isn't with the student themselves, but with the work." In other words: Sometimes the question is too broad, or a specific, complex issue makes it difficult to continue working. In such cases, it helps to seek advice from your lecturer or supervisor, or to discuss alternative approaches with fellow students. For Ms. Wuttke, it's important not to blame yourself, but to actively and constructively seek a solution.
Many psychologists also see procrastination as a symptom of incipient or existing depression. Lack of motivation is one of the most common symptoms of this illness. Therefore, if you're not feeling well, seek help and talk about your situation. Depression is treatable, and there is a way out of this emotional low. Almost every university has psychological counseling centers, like Ms. Wuttke's. There, professionally trained staff provide support and guidance.
And if you're experiencing an acute personal crisis and need help, contact the telephone counseling service at the toll-free numbers 0800/111 0 111 and 0800/111 0 222, or the Arbeitskreis Leben (Working Group for Life) in Freiburg.
You can find some counseling services at universities here:
University of Düsseldorf
https://www.uni-duesseldorf.de/home/s...
University of Cologne
https://www.kstw.de/index.php?option=...
University of Hamburg
https://www.uni-hamburg.de/campuscent...
University of Munich
https://www.studentenwerk-muenchen.de...
Humboldt University of Berlin
https://www.hu-berlin.de/de/studium/b...
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Team: Timm Giesbers, Marspet, Julia von Cube, Sarah Sanners, Maik Arnold, Benedikt Ahrens, Oskar Harkämper, Delia Emke
Music:
Promises - Sam Smith feat. Calvin Harris
Be the One - Dua Lipa
First Fires - Bonobo
The Keeper - Bonobo
Perfect - Anne Marie
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