#12DaysofWriting
In November of 2023, I started a challenge to crank out the last remaining portion of my dissertation. November is not the ideal month to do such a thing, and neither is December. But if it’s one thing I’ve learned, there is never an ideal time. After my #dissertationnovember was complete, I worked on a shorter challenge, still targeting the final chapters, and it was through this act of self-accountability, I started the #12DaysOfWriting Challenge.
As a busy mother of three young children, a doctoral candidate, and an adjunct faculty still searching for a more stable contract, navigating the complexities of academia and finding dedicated time for writing felt like a daunting task. In the past, I’ve participated in various challenges, with varied lengths from 5 to 30 days, but none seemed to align well with the demands of my life. TIME is what is needed to focus on a major project such as one’s dissertation. And while 12 days seem like a weird timeline, it was in December that the idea of a 12-day challenge emerged —a timeframe that offers the perfect balance of intensity and flexibility.
12-Days does not involve two full weekends away from my family life. But if necessary, I could add those two weekend days as buffers. I needed flexibility given the challenges and my circumstances.
So, how does it work?
The key is to set overarching targets that align with your larger writing objectives. Whether it was completing a chapter, drafting a section, or revising a key passage, I identified the milestones I aimed to achieve by the end of the 12 days. From there, I broke down these larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks that I could tackle on a daily basis.
I also kept a running to-do list of things I needed to address. I tried to organize the thoughts by groups or headings, so as not to stray from the goal I was working on at the time. Getting distracted by every idea and thought only ends up in procrastinating my overall goal.
Remember that a done dissertation is better than a perfect dissertation. Progress is the goal and perfection stalls.
Each day of the challenge, I knew I had to dedicate time to writing. I vocalized my goals daily. By articulating my intentions, I aimed to create a sense of accountability and clarity that would guide my writing efforts.
At the end of each day, I took a moment to reflect on my progress. I “journaled” about what I accomplished, what challenges I faced, and what insights I gained along the way. I posted my reflections on my Facebook page. My reflections helped me organize my to-do list, brought a sense of closure to the day’s efforts, and motivated me through the journey. I also got community feedback about my progress, which was also encouraging.
I think the #12DaysOfWriting challenge is helpful in pushing through. It’s a baby step to habit building, and its flexibility to change in one’s life is ideal. You can reward yourself with a weekend break, or as I did, get the laundry, I was supposed to do the week before.
I encourage you to try it and embark on your 12-day writing journey. Just remember that the goal is not perfection but progress. Embrace ups and downs, celebrate victories, and learn from setbacks. By participating in this challenge, you're not just honing your writing skills but also gaining valuable insights into your own process and paving the way for future success.
How to do this on your own?
📝 #12DaysOfWriting Challenge Guidelines
Objective:
The #12DaysOfWriting Challenge aims to facilitate progress on your dissertation journey by dedicating focused writing time for 12 consecutive days.
Daily Task:
Each day, set a specific writing task aligned with your dissertation progress. Tasks can include drafting a section, revising, outlining, or conducting analysis.
Word Count Tracking:
Set a minimum word count goal for your task to track progress. However, feel free to adjust this based on the nature of your task. Use any word count tool to monitor daily achievements.
Update Post & Hashtag:
Share a daily update post using the #12DaysOfWriting hashtag. Mention your accomplished task, progress made, challenges faced, or insights gained during the day. Engage with fellow participants by liking, commenting, and supporting their posts.
Zoom Session (Optional):
If you're hosting a Zoom writing session, share the link in your daily update post or within the challenge group. This live session offers an opportunity for focused writing alongside peers. Note: Session timing might be impromptu, so watch out for announcements!
Additional Tips:
Plan your task ahead for each day, ensuring it aligns with your dissertation goals.
Be flexible with your word count goals; focus on quality over quantity.
Encourage and support fellow participants by engaging with their updates and sharing advice or motivation.
Final Day Celebration:
On the last day of the challenge, reflect on your progress, celebrate achievements, and set new goals moving forward in your dissertation journey.
---
These guidelines aim to provide structure and flexibility, allowing participants to tailor their tasks while fostering a supportive community environment during the #12DaysOfWriting Challenge.
Are you ready to join me on this transformative journey?
Let's embark on the #12DaysOfWriting challenge together and discover the power of progress, one day at a time. Together, we can redefine success and forge a brighter future through our shared commitment to growth and resilience. Here's to a better way—a way forward fueled by passion, purpose, and perseverance. 🌿✨ #ABetterWay #WritingJourney #AcademicEmpowerment