I'm currently in the question about pursuing my PhD and to that end, I was on an informational call with one of the universities I am considering. At some point, the question was asked about how long it takes to complete the program. The response was that the average student completed the program in four years, but some students went as long as six.
SIX years? Wow. Can you tell us why that would be?
The school representatively graciously explained to us that there are those students who are affectionately referred to as "procrastinating perfectionist". Ah-ha! I immediately got it and it made perfect sense...
Procrastinating perfectionists are everywhere....
In the context of the PhD program, these are the students who work on a paper, turn it in for review, try to "perfect it" based on the feedback, turn it in for review again, try to "perfect it" again based on new feedback and on and on and on. Why does this happen? Because for the most part, these future scholars want to reduce any likelihood of ridicule on their published work. They want to create absolute perfection in their theory and their execution so that no one can find a flaw in their approach... Meanwhile, they're racking up thousands of extra dollars in school bills simply because they find that less painful than the idea of not being perfect!
Sound crazy? Sound familiar?
Intellectually, we all know that there is no such thing as perfection but when it comes to going out on the skinny branches; to being "seen" or heard by more than our most intimate family and friends, we retreat into a space of fear and uncertainty. We don't want to risk saying the wrong thing in front of our boss or our colleagues so we say nothing at all.
Here's what you need to know: When you choose to take a stand on anything, there will always be those with you and those "agin" you and that's OK because, as the saying goes "If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything."
What do you stand for? What beliefs are taking you out to the skinny branches?
You were born to be great.
YES, you can!
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