The Dissertation Diaries

Lately, I’ve been reminding myself that starting counts.

I’m in the research phase of my dissertation, and I have 15 interviews ahead of me, each one about 90 minutes long. Every interview means emailing, scheduling, interviewing, coding, and writing. It’s not just one task—it’s a whole process. And sometimes, even starting that process feels like a lot.

But I’m learning that progress often looks less like big leaps and more like quiet, steady motion. One email sent. One date confirmed. One transcript opened. One paragraph written.

When I look at the entire project, it feels overwhelming. When I focus on the first small step, I can breathe again. Because starting, no matter how small, still counts.

If you’re in a season where everything feels big and heavy, this is your reminder that small beginnings matter. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to take the next small, brave step.

Today, mine is sending one more scheduling email.