There’s a strange mix of relief and panic that comes with the final months of a doctorate. Submission suddenly feels real and within reach, but so does the long list of edits, formatting tweaks, and final checks. It’s a season of tying loose ends, trusting the work I’ve put in, and finding small ways to keep momentum.
Here are some of the things keeping me on track as I head toward submission.
Mindset Rituals
I’ve learned that little daily rituals matter more than heroic bursts of productivity. For me, it starts with a morning beverage routine (not coffee…..but still caffeine. Done come for me!) where I set just one clear goal for the day. Sometimes that’s a big one (rewriting a section), and sometimes it’s tiny (checking two references). Naming the task helps me avoid spiralling into overwhelm and keeps progress tangible.
I also try to end each work session by noting what’s left undone – not as a failure, but as a marker of where to begin next time. It’s like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for my future self.
Practical Tools
The checklist is my lifeline right now. Mine covers everything from double-checking APA referencing to ensuring figure captions match formatting requirements. I’ve also broken submission down into mini-milestones: proofreading one chapter at a time, running Turnitin checks, and cross-checking appendices.
I’ve found that sub-tasks make the mountain feel less intimidating. “Revise Chapter 7” is daunting. “Check headings and transitions in Chapter 7” is achievable. This one was key for me as I was getting so overwhelmed I was getting myself stuck and doing nothing.
Anchors for Well-Being
It’s easy to forget that this stage is just as draining as data collection or analysis. So I’ve given myself some anchors: walking the dogs, leaving weekends free where I can, and keeping evenings as screen-free as possible. These small pauses help reset my energy so I can return to the work with more clarity.
I also love flowers and have been making sure I have fresh and visible flowers at the moment while I am struggling a bit. It really improves how I feel when writing at home.
Accountability and Support
I’ve been leaning more than ever on my supervisory team, but also on peers who understand the strange push-pull of these final weeks. Sometimes it’s about feedback, but often it’s just about encouragement: a quick message that says, “You’re nearly there. Keep going.”
That reminder…that I’m not doing this alone…has been one of the most valuable supports of all.
Closing Thought
The finishing line is in sight, and while the list feels endless some days, I’m reminded that every ticked box is progress. If you’re in the same stage of your doctorate, take one sub-task at a time. Submission isn’t a single giant leap as much as it’s a series of steady steps.
And step by step, we’ll get there.
Melissa Smith 