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Dissertate Like Dylan: 5 Valuable Lessons from "A Complete Unknown" | Issue 313
Summary: Discover how the legendary Bob Dylan can become your new dissertation muse.
Estimated read time: Less than it takes to listen to "Like a Rolling Stone"
By Gayle Scroggs, Ph.D., Editor
Have you seen the new Bob Dylan biopic, "A Complete Unknown" yet? Nominated for an impressive eight Oscars, the hit film chronicles Dylan's audacious transition from a folk icon to an electric rock legend. The film is nothing short of captivating.
But you don't need to be entrenched in Dylan's music to draw motivation from his story. (Fun fact: Dylan's life and work have sparked at least 2,995 dissertations from regions as diverse as the US, Brazil, and Serbia.)
Here are five profound lessons from the film to propel you through the uncharted terrain of your dissertation journey:
1. Welcome change and innovation
When Bob Dylan ditched his old acoustic guitar in favor of an electric one at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, a crescendo of boos erupted. Nevertheless, he persisted with his new rock sound, belting out "Like a Rolling Stone"—his most successful song ever. Afterward, Joan Baez declares he has won. "What did I win?" he asks. "Your freedom," she answers.
Dylan's willingness to embrace change and innovation was precisely what solidified his status as a musical icon. What might you glean from his example? Are you open to new ideas and approaches in your research? Whether it's exploring a new theoretical framework or methodology or venturing into interdisciplinary research, embracing innovation can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and a dynamic dissertation.
2. Stay true to your vision
Bob Dylan didn't become an icon by trying to be like everyone else. He stayed true to his unique voice and vision, even when it wasn't what people expected or wanted. As a dissertation writer, it's important to embrace your own academic voice and perspective. If self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself why you chose this topic and path to renew your commitment.
You may encounter external pressures, whether from advisors, peers, or the academic community at large. While a dissertation committee serves as a gatekeeper, you should still be prepared to advocate for yourself. It's essential to stay true to your research interests and intellectual curiosity. Authenticity not only fuels motivation, but it also ramps up trust and creativity. Don't be afraid to take a stand or explore unconventional ideas that resonate with you—these are often the sparks of brilliance that make your work truly stand out.
3. Keep moving forward
One of the hallmarks of Dylan's career is constant evolution. He never let anyone pigeonhole him, always exploring new musical styles and pushing the boundaries of his art. This incessant drive parallels the dissertation journey, where stagnation can be the enemy of progress. When confronted with obstacles, it is crucial to view them not as dead ends but as opportunities for growth. "A bump in the road is not the end of the road," I often remind my clients.
To keep your forward momentum, break your work into smaller tasks, set achievable goals, and celebrate each milestone. Keep working diligently and trust your process. As you proceed, there will be moments of doubt and frustration, but don't give up. Each step, no matter how small, moves you closer to your final destination. Throughout your academic pursuit, moments of doubt and frustration are inevitable, but perseverance is key. Upon earning your doctorate, your tenacity will continue to serve you well.
4. Seek inspiration everywhere
Dylan's genius was powered by a wide range of sources—folk, rock, blues, literature, and social issues of his time. As a scholar, it is beneficial to adopt a similarly eclectic approach. Do not confine your search for inspiration to your specific field of study.
Delve into other disciplines, explore art, immerse yourself in nature, and draw from the vibrant tapestry of everyday life. Cross-disciplinary exploration can spur innovative ideas and provide fresh perspectives that enrich your research.
5. Turn criticism into catalysts
Rather than being disheartened by criticism, Dylan used it as a catalyst for his creativity. When you receive feedback on your dissertation, regard it as an invaluable resource for improvement. Leverage critiques to fortify your arguments, enhance your writing, and elevate the overall quality of your work.
Receiving negative feedback may be painful at first, but it can serve as a valuable growth stimulus. As the acclaimed novelist (and Dylan afficionado) Jonathan Lethem has said, "Discomfort is very much part of my master plan." Learning from others' criticism can expand your boundaries without defining you.
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So, take a page from Bob Dylan's book and let his journey inspire your dissertation writing process. Embrace change, hold your vision, keep moving forward, seek inspiration widely, and grow through challenges. Before you know it, you'll be become the hero of your own legend.
P.S. Could you use more support on your journey? Click here for a free consultation with a positive psychology dissertation coach. Invest in your success—you're worth it.
Get your free valuable e-book of proven strategies for overcoming dissertation hurdles here.
Image credit: The above Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
GAYLE SCROGGS, Ph.D., P.C.C., Editor, ABDSG.
An accomplished coach, workshop leader, keynote speaker, and educator, Gayle earned her doctorate in social psychology from the University of New Hampshire. Her deep expertise in positive psychology allows her to help clients build their personal strengths, positive habits, and confidence to overcome procrastination, self-doubts and other blocks in order to reach vital academic and personal goals. In addition to editing the ABD Survival Guide, she contributed two chapters to the positive psychology anthology, Women's Paths to Happiness. Contact her at gayle@essencecoaching.com for coaching, presentations, and workshops on thriving in graduate school and beyond, and find free resources essencecoaching.com.
BEN DEAN, Publisher, ABDSG
Ben holds a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. He began writing the ABDSG in 1997. Over the years, the ABDSG has published hundreds of articles and provided thousands of hours of pro bono coaching and teleworkshops to ABDs all over the world. Ben is also the founder of MentorCoach (www.MentorCoach.com), a virtual university focused on training accomplished professionals to become part-time or full-time coaches. You may wish to subscribe to the Coaching Toward Happiness eNewsletter! It's on applying the science of Positive Psychology to your work and life (131,000 readers). Ben lives in suburban Maryland with his wife, Janice, their two children, and Dusty, their Norwegian dwarf bunny.
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