So you want to write a thesis [Part II]

CREATE AND STICK TO A TIMELINE

That is what everyone who has ever written a thesis will tell you.  And you will go "I know. I know." and then you won't do it.  We all do it, and it sucks when the time for your proposal is due and you haven't written a word other than your cover sheet. So I propose a new solution "want to stick to your timeline."  

1.  If you are receiving undergraduate credit for this research it's essentially a class.  Create a time in your schedule as if you had to go to a class room or lecture hall for it 3 times a week (or however many credits it is).  THIS IS NOT A FLEXIBLE TIME.  Treat it just as if it was class and unchangeable.  

2.  Start with your residual message, also known as your thesis statement.  If you know what you want other people to get out of reading your paper then you can better approach it.  Also if you have direction, it's way easier to find clarity-- trust me! 

3.  Read this html document from Prof. Stearns from Yale OR here in PDF compliments of UWYO

The document is wonderful and I think the first few points are especially important because they apply to everyone at every level of thesis writing such as "prepare for the worst."  Isn't that the truth?

4.  Write down the wrong date for things. This doesn't mean later then when they're due, but early.  Trick yourself into thinking you only have a week and half to write that proposal rather than 3.  If you get it done early you can get more editing out of the way and half of your proposal will be in pristine condition while everyone else is fumbling around.  

5. Love your topic.  If you do not love your topic, this will not go well for you.  BSing 10-15 pages of a topic you don't care about can be a struggle, image 30+ pages.  Make yourself love it, even if you don't love the whole thing.  Find certain aspects that excite you.  And if nothing does, change your topic PRONTO. 

Thanks all for now-- Godspeed my friends!