The PhDone Dissertation Writing Guide isn’t a rigid rulebook or a magic formula. It won’t tell you that there’s one ‘right’ way to write a dissertation - because there isn’t one. What matters is finding a rhythm that works for you, to support sustainable progress and to make your journey as joyful as possible.
This guide is a grounded, supportive companion for your journey. We’ve designed it to help you to move forward - wherever you are - to make small steps forward, and to map out your PhD roadmap. These small steps don’t have to be perfect. In fact, you’ll come to see throughout this guide, we believe it’s often this idea of ‘perfection’ that holds us back. Instead, this guide invites you to reframe your approach to research and embrace the idea of progress over perfection. With this in mind, we can move forwards and make those small - but incredibly meaningful - steps forward with more clarity, confidence and care. This guide outlines our PhDone ethos as well as offering a structure for writing, reflection prompts, practical strategies and exercises. This guide is here to remind you that you don’t need to have it all figured out to begin - or to begin again.
50+ Guided Prompts and Reflection Exercises to help you connect to the deeper purpose which underlies your dissertation
60+ Pages which follow the entirety of your dissertation journey from ABD to defense and final submission.
Core Philosophy
Progress over perfection approach
Sustainable, joyful research practices
Compassionate, flexible mindset
Part 1: Reconnecting With Your Why
Revisiting your research spark and purpose
The GUIDE framework (Ground, Understand, Integrate, Do, Evaluate)
Aligning values with methods
Part 2: Mapping Your Journey
Creating flexible dissertation outlines
Setting realistic milestones and timelines
Task breakdowns and goal-setting strategies
Part 3: Writing Your Dissertation
Building sustainable writing routines
Working with (not against) your energy patterns
Focus techniques and writing sprints
Chapter-by-chapter guidance and templates
Handling feedback without fear
Part 4: Keeping Yourself Steady
Managing procrastination, perfectionism, and doubt
Prioritizing wellbeing and rest
Building support systems
Creating restorative routines
Part 5: Moving Towards Completion
Revising with confidence
Knowing when you're "done enough"
Submission preparation and logistics
Post-dissertation life and celebration
Tools & Templates
GUIDE framework worksheets
Monthly check-ins and planning grids
Meeting templates and reflection prompts
Chapter planning maps
The PhDone Dissertation Writing Guide isn’t a rigid rulebook or a magic formula. It won’t tell you that there’s one ‘right’ way to write a dissertation - because there isn’t one. What matters is finding a rhythm that works for you, to support sustainable progress and to make your journey as joyful as possible.
This guide is a grounded, supportive companion for your journey. We’ve designed it to help you to move forward - wherever you are - to make small steps forward, and to map out your PhD roadmap. These small steps don’t have to be perfect. In fact, you’ll come to see throughout this guide, we believe it’s often this idea of ‘perfection’ that holds us back. Instead, this guide invites you to reframe your approach to research and embrace the idea of progress over perfection. With this in mind, we can move forwards and make those small - but incredibly meaningful - steps forward with more clarity, confidence and care. This guide outlines our PhDone ethos as well as offering a structure for writing, reflection prompts, practical strategies and exercises. This guide is here to remind you that you don’t need to have it all figured out to begin - or to begin again.
50+ Guided Prompts and Reflection Exercises to help you connect to the deeper purpose which underlies your dissertation
60+ Pages which follow the entirety of your dissertation journey from ABD to defense and final submission.
Core Philosophy
Progress over perfection approach
Sustainable, joyful research practices
Compassionate, flexible mindset
Part 1: Reconnecting With Your Why
Revisiting your research spark and purpose
The GUIDE framework (Ground, Understand, Integrate, Do, Evaluate)
Aligning values with methods
Part 2: Mapping Your Journey
Creating flexible dissertation outlines
Setting realistic milestones and timelines
Task breakdowns and goal-setting strategies
Part 3: Writing Your Dissertation
Building sustainable writing routines
Working with (not against) your energy patterns
Focus techniques and writing sprints
Chapter-by-chapter guidance and templates
Handling feedback without fear
Part 4: Keeping Yourself Steady
Managing procrastination, perfectionism, and doubt
Prioritizing wellbeing and rest
Building support systems
Creating restorative routines
Part 5: Moving Towards Completion
Revising with confidence
Knowing when you're "done enough"
Submission preparation and logistics
Post-dissertation life and celebration
Tools & Templates
GUIDE framework worksheets
Monthly check-ins and planning grids
Meeting templates and reflection prompts
Chapter planning maps
