Ph.D: A Tip to Boost Your Creativity

Hi, Muhamad!

One way to boost your dissertation creativity is to practice taking different perspectives.

If you have been writing from a particular voice or viewpoint, and you find yourself "stuck' and unable to move ahead, it can be valuable to try taking another perspective.

If you are writing a history dissertation, for instance, think about the problem or concept from the viewpoint of someone who would have been directly impacted by the problem. For instance, if you are writing about the historical plight of itinerant farm workers, you can find a new voice or new perspective simply by viewing the problem from a personal viewpoint, rather than a purely academic one.

For example, if you are discussing the lack of access to resources, you can find a new voice by writing about what that would have meant on a daily basis: traveling miles and miles to procure food- perhaps walking those many miles. Lack of access to education, and how that would have limited options or opportunities. Poor living conditions which would have led to diseases or illness.

This kind of perspective taking can help you really "dig into" the problems these people were experiencing, and, perhaps, may afford you some greater insight to write from.

When writing papers about the history of a people or group or society, be sure to demonstrate an understanding of the actual challenges they faced- perhaps in their own voice. Can you find stories they passed down? Can you frame your paper through the eyes of one particular individual, who becomes a prototype for the whole group?

Practice taking different perspectives with your dissertation. Doing so will shift it from a dry, academic exercise to one filled with energy, interest, and life. And, really, isn't that what drove your topic choice in the first place?

Take care, and see you next time!

--Rachna