Part 1 Introduction Part 2 Strategies for Beginning the Doctoral Program Chapter 3 Starting the Doctoral Process 4 Ten Suggestions When Starting the Doctoral Process: You Are Still a Person, Too, Aren't You? 5 Thinking about Starting a Doctoral Program? Plan Ahead for Success 6 Life in the Fast Lane: Beginning the Doctoral Process 7 Beginning the Doctoral Journey Chapter 8 Considerations at the Threshold: The Beginning of Doctoral Studies Chapter 9 Just Beginning a Doctoral Program? Chapter 10 You're Sure You Really Want To Do This? Part 11 Conquering Common Doctoral Challenges: Motivation, Procrastination, and Re-Energizing Chapter 12 Getting Over the "ABD" Hump: The Secret is Avoiding Procrastination Chapter 13 Avoid Being Labeled ABD Chapter 14 When Motivation Hits Bottom Chapter 15 Passion: Don't Embark Without It Chapter 16 Brains, Heart, Courage, and Home: When Doctoral Students Have Significant Personal Issues Completing the Dissertation Part 17 Reducing, Coping, and Preventing Stress Chapter 18 Managing Your Stress Chapter 19 Eliminate Political Tensions with Your Dissertation Committee and Major Professor Chapter 20 Life Happens: So What Do I Do Now? Chapter 21 Helping a Graduate Student Develop Self-Directedness in Stressful Times: A Brief Conversation Chapter 22 Preparing for Qualifying Examinations Part 23 Life after the Doctorate Chapter 24 Using Your Dissertation as a Stepping Stone to a University Faculty Position Chapter 25 Using the Dissertation as a Vehicle for Publishing: A Conversation Between Professor and Doctoral Student Chapter 26 Maximizing Your Dissertation to Propel Your Career Chapter 27 What Do You Want To Do With This? Means-Driven Dissertation Writing Part 28 Final Thoughts