Happy Doc Student Podcast

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In this episode, I chat with Dr. Alison Miller about the importance of boundaries, productivity, and working in a way that really works for you. 

Alison received her PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Illinois Chicago. She is an entrepreneur who has built three successful businesses, including the Dissertation Coach in 2000. The Dissertation Coach has helped thousands of graduate students finish their doctoral dissertations and master's theses. The Academic Writers’ Space (TAWS) is an online community designed for academics to get real work done. 

 Highlights and Tips

1.    You have only so many resources; get clear on what is essential and what is “extra.” 

2.    When presented with opportunities, evaluate them in terms of your long-term goals - get clear on what you want out of your doctoral program – know your priorities.

3.    Having clear boundaries is an act of reverence; honor yourself: “Thank you….AND here is what I am committed to and one of the commitments I’ve made to myself is that I’m not taking on any new projects.”

4.    When you try to do everything, you end up doing nothing really well. 

5.    We often don’t say “no” due to discomfort and/or the fear of missing out (FOMO)

•  Saying no is a short-term discomfort compared to the long-term discomfort of overwhelm 
• Don’t let FOMO rule you!

6.    Not having clear boundaries prevents you from being present with your graduate work – work that demands unified attention. Your dissertation/thesis must be at the center. 

7.    You can’t manage time, but you can be a better manager of your commitments by setting clear boundaries (listen to this podcast for more helpful tips: 

8.    Recovery and rejuvenation are essential during a doctoral program. 

9. Having boundaries within a work session gives you unified attention:

•  Pick one small assignment – surrender to one task (stay in ONE lane)
•  Before you start working – take a deep breath and ask: What am I working on? What am I not working on? Then ask: Who is here? And: Is this compatible with my work? Listen to your body for guidance (FEEL IT), consider your options, and proceed accordingly.

10. The doctoral process is a transformative process – use it to expand and grow into a heart-centered person. 

Connect with Alison:
@thedissertationcoach IG
@theacademicwritersspace IG
The Dissertation Coach FB
@TAWSspace Twitter

Free week of membership at The Academic Writers' Space - http://www.theacademicwritersspace.com

Get Alison's book Finish Your Dissertation Once and For All: How to Overcome Psychological Barriers, Get Results, and Move On with Your Life: https://amzn.to/3umKP8b 
 

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Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

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On this episode, I welcome William Hall, a nursing educator and doctoral candidate pursuing a DNP at Aspen University.

A DNP is an applied terminal degree in nursing (versus a PhD in nursing).  

“Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” John Maxwell

Tips:

1.     Decide what is important to you: Cost, accreditation, success rates, support.

2.     Request information and confirm the program you are considering is a logical step on your career path.

3.     This is a huge decision: Dive deep and speak to people in the programs you are considering (social media is great for this – especially LinkedIn).

4.     Be prepared for the noticeable shift from course work to your doctoral capstone (dissertation or doctoral project). See episode #9 below .

5.     Dissertations/Projects can be derailed by things outside your control– this is why a good relationship with your Chair is critical. 

6.     Resiliency is an important trait (and so is grit!).

7.     Take a good look at your support system – it is so important.

8.     Do your homework and make sure you are choosing the right program. 

9.     Use a calendar to keep feelings of overwhelm under control – block time for all the things that are important to you. 

10.  Embrace your growth – you will grow during a doctoral program!

Episode# 9 The Dissertation Shift with Dr. Todd Fiore:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/7242724

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

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In this episode, I continue the conversation with Dr. Leonard Cassuto,  professor of English at Fordham University.

Be sure to listen to episode #53: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/9484429

Highlights:

1.     Tenure-track jobs are diminishing, so if we teach doctoral students to want those jobs above all other jobs, we are teaching them to be unhappy. 

2.     As a doctoral student you MUST be the CEO of your education (and where it lands you).

3.     Think about what REALLY interests you (ask: What sparks joy in me?) and then view your doctoral education as a mechanism for gaining skills that will allow you to explore many possibilities on the job market. 

4.     You are learning broad and transferable skills - you are becoming an information specialist, you are learning how to teach people things (orally, in the written word, formally, informally) etc.

5.     Stop thinking too narrowly when you think about your doctorate (truly the sky is the limit!).

6.     Career diversity is about taking the skills you have learned and combining them with a profession that gives you pleasure.

Check out Imagine PhD here: https://www.imaginephd.com/

Listeners can receive a 30% discount on The New PhD with the code HTWN from the publisher’s site, press.jhu.edu

Connect with Len
twitter: @LCassuto
instagram: l_cassuto

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

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In this episode, Dr. Max Lempriere discusses the Imposter Syndrome, perfectionism, and the need for community. 

Max has a PhD in political science from the University of Birmingham. As the owner of the PhD people, he has created an online community platform that offers guidance, mentorship, support and training to students from all around the world.

Highlights:

1.    Imposter syndrome is real. Very, very real (oh, and not just among doc students!)

2.    Do not suffer in silence – find a community and get support.

3.    Nothing is perfect, including your dissertation/doctoral project. Be ready to let some of that perfectionism go.

4.    The academy was built on critique – try not to take feedback personally (think of it as a gift given to you by people who want you to succeed).

5.    The doctoral process is teaching you skills that will serve you post degree – like resilience, project management skills, the ability to distill complex information, think critically, the list goes on and on!

6.    Embrace your humility – it will take you far.

7.    You are becoming a peer and the faculty working with you want you to succeed.

8.    Sometimes the best thing to do is NOTHING (and yes, naps are OK!)

9.    There is POWER in a cohort - get connected – whether via your university, a social media group, or the PhD people (you’ll be glad you did!)

10.  It’s worth repeating: Your dissertation or doc project will never be perfect. Remember: it is a doctoral degree you are getting, not the noble prize!

Connect with Max and the PhD people:

@thephdpeople

ThePhDPeople.com

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

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Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FiIgUi-FU-g

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

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Are you HyperCompetent? Take the assessment here: https://connecttwo.outgrow.us/HC

Are you too good at getting things done for your own good?  

Working harder does not mean working smarter!

Do you feel like working so much is getting in your way of experiencing joy? 

Highlights

1.     You can never get everything done - staying in a hypercompetent mode will result in you getting less and less done (you know it is true!)

2.     Possible driving factors: 

• Do you feel like you aren’t enough and so perhaps working so hard to overcome this feeling?
•  Were you raised by a narcissist? 
•  Do you work to numb out?

3.     Balance is elusive – it’s ok to be ok with just doing your best!

4.     Can you let things go? Can you delegate?

5.     Give from the saucer, not the cup!

6.     Make a plan to have no plan and take the Creative Renewal challenge: Can you commit to do nothing for an hour each week?

7.     When you have the “I-don’t-wannas” it is a sign your cup is empty – stop and fill up your cup.

Debra Woog obtained her MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. She is a Crisis Navigation Partner™ with over 30 years of experience as a leadership researcher, executive, and advisor. The Boston Globe profiled Debra for her outstanding abilities to select talented candidates, motivate and develop employees, and resolve conflicts between people as well as between organizations. Her work has been featured in publications like Forbes, Inc. and U.S. News & World Report.

Episode #55: The 3 C’s of Navigating Crisis with Debra Woog, MBA https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/9545566

Connect with Debra 

facebook.com/connecttwo

https://www.instagram.com/connecttwo/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/connecttwo/

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

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Dr. Megan Just-Mancini shares how we can A.C.E. not just parenting, but navigating the current state of the world.

“All behavior is an expression of a need.” 

Megan is a Registered Psychologist who supports individuals and families affected by mental health-related challenges. She has experience working with diverse groups in the United States and Canada in educational, in-patient, out-patient, and private care settings. 

Breath Exercise  - Find the Gap
Focus on the space, the gap, between your inhalation and exhalation. Taking time to attune to your kids’ emotions can save you time (and your sanity) and teaches them to self-regulate. 

Highlights: 

1.     Reward systems have value, but if they aren’t working for you, maybe it’s time to try something different

2.     Words are powerful – are you using language that is stigmatizing?

3.     We all have basic needs as hypothesized by Self Determination Theory (see Deci & Ryan): 

·      Autonomy (“I can do this on my own”)

·      Competence (“I’ve got the ability to do this”)

·      Relatedness (“I am unconditionally loved no matter what and I can reciprocate that love”)

4.     If needs are not met, people will act in a way to try to get them met

5.     When you fill needs, you promote emotional regulation and inhibitory control and reduce undesirable behaviors

6.     Think about behaviors on a continuum (undesirable to more desirable) 

7.     Think about parenting on a continuum (less to more growth-orientated) rather than good/bad 

8.     Tough days happen, it’s OK!  just hit the nail on the head 30% or more of the time ("good enough parenting")

10.  I can ACE parenting:

·      A = Attunement. Being able to connect with your child’s needs (and yours!). Look underneath the behavior, then validate the emotion so you fill their love cup and model self-regulation. 

·      C = Consistency and predictability. How you respond most of the time (no one is perfect!). This creates a safe haven for your kids.

·      E = Empathy. Be empathic to the child and yourself! Just try your best.

11.  If you mess up (it happens) -  repair it. All parties need to be calm. Then sit, share, and  LISTEN. Take responsibility  -  this sends the message: We can screw up as a family, but we have unconditional love and we can come back together and move beyond this.

12.  Do you have COVID-related compassion? Does the world look different when you know that all behavior is an expression of a need?

Connect with Megan: [email protected]

 Megan Just-Mancini’s Doc Project:  Parenting practices that promote early childhood inhibitory control and emotional regulation

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

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Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/3hiqJfL9TwM

In this episode Dr. Jerry Fu shares a 5-step framework for dealing with difficult conversations. 

Highlights: 

• Avoiding problems do not make them go away.
• Conflict is difficult for most everyone; having a system in place makes all the difference. 
• Learning to navigate conflicts leads to better, stronger relationships based on truth and honesty. 
• Don’t take criticism from someone you would not take advice from. 
• Ask yourself: Do you want pity or do you want resolution?
•  If things do not go as planned, study what happened. Use the failure to learn and get better (and celebrate the fact that you are making progress!)
• Imagination is more important than knowledge – adapt the framework, making it your own.

 Five Steps:

1.    Envision the outcomes you want

2.    Find 10-seconds of courage to start the ball rolling and initiate the conversation 

3.    Script your critical moves – get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper 

4.    Role-play

5.    Go for it! (and bonus tip: don’t interrupt)

Connect with Jerry:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-e-fu-pharmd-acc-53710187

Get the PDF: https://www.adaptingleaders.com

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

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Dr. Angie Holzer received her EdD in Leadership and Learning with a specialization in Organizational Leadership from Aspen University. 

In today’s episode, Angie shares her doctoral journey and how it equipped her with the skills she needed to develop WikiCharities as a way to help improve the nonprofit sector by providing a place where charities can connect and work together. 

Highlights

• Before enrolling in a program - do your research
  • look at the courses - are they giving you the skills you need/want?
  • speak to faculty - does it FEEL like a good fit?
• Start out with a general idea so you have time to become the expert before you hit your dissertation/doctoral project course
•  Be open to your idea morphing as you learn more – let the research guide you
•  Trust the process
•  Get clear on your WHY
•  Look at each course through the lens of: What am I learning here that will bring me closer to my long-term vision?

Connect with Angie
http://Wikicharities.com
http://www.facebook.com/wikicharities
https://www.instagram.com/wikicharities
https://www.twitter.com/wikicharities
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCebGirQyKGuFinGgf2S0KKA

Human Trafficking Information

Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Human trafficking is the illegal exploitation of a person – modern slavery. Anyone can be a victim of human trafficking, and it can occur in any U.S. community—cities, suburbs, and even rural areas. Traffickers use violence, manipulation, or false promises of well-paying jobs or romantic relationships to exploit victims. Victims are forced to work as prostitutes or to take jobs as migrant, domestic, restaurant, or factory workers with little or no pay. Human trafficking is a heinous crime that exploits the most vulnerable in society. Under the human trafficking program, the FBI investigates:

• Sex trafficking: When individuals are compelled by force, fraud, or coercion to engage in commercial sex acts. Sex trafficking of a minor occurs when the victim is under the age of 18. For cases involving minors, it is not necessary to prove force, fraud, or coercion.
• Labor trafficking: When individuals are compelled by force, threats, or fraud to perform labor or service.
• Domestic servitude: When individuals within a household appear to be nannies, housekeepers, or other types of domestic workers, but they are being controlled and exploited.

For more information: https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/human-trafficking

Podcast Episo

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

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Watch this podcast on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/V4RQgGXDwcA

Madelaine Weiss is a Harvard-trained licensed psychotherapist and board-certified in executive, career, and life coaching.  A Mindset Expert, while she was writing her book: “Getting to G.R.E.A.T.: A 5-Step Strategy for Work and Life based on science and stories” she became fascinated in decision-making and how our decisions shape our lives. 

Highlights:

1.     Words are powerful! How does your experience change when you say: “I get to” instead of “I have to”?

2.     Nothing is set in stone: Don’t be afraid to pivot if a pivot will make you happy. 

3.     It’s not just the decisions you make but what you make of them that really shapes your life.

4.     The more difficult the decision, the less time you should spend on making it – don’t drain your energy belaboring it. 

5.     When in doubt – go BIG and BOLD.

6.     Emotions are important for decision-making; you want an integrated brain that uses data from the emotional centers.

7.     Take care of your brain - make a habit of getting yourself centered (power breathe regularly).  

8.     Pausing to center yourself gives you clarity and makes you smarter.

9.     To create a habit – just do it until it becomes natural.

10.  Keep good company because we create our reality with our environment – that includes our thoughts!

Connect with Madelaine and get her book here: https://madelaineweiss.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madelaine.weiss
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadelaineWeiss
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelaineweiss
IG: https://www.instagram.com/madelaine_weiss/

Happy Doc Student Swag: https://www.bonfire.com/store/happy-doc-student-podcast-swag/

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at:  http://Expandyourhappy.com

Want to make my day?  Rate, review, subscribe & share with someone you love.