Writing a Bachelor's thesis can be a daunting task, especially when you're on a tight deadline. But don't worry! With the right strategies and mindset, you can complete your thesis in just 50 days. This guide will provide you with expert techniques and advice to help you stay on track and finish strong.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on progress, not perfection. Aim to make steady progress every day rather than getting stuck on making everything perfect.
• Embrace the 80/20 rule. Concentrate on the 20% of tasks that will yield 80% of the results to maximize your efficiency.
• Use tools like Grammarly to help with writing. This can save you time and improve the quality of your work.
• Don't try to create something entirely new. Build on existing research and ideas to save time and effort.
• Join online writing communities for support and motivation. These groups can provide valuable feedback and keep you accountable.

Adjust Your Expectations

It sounds like you have set a high bar for yourself that you feel you are not reaching. First, reevaluate if that expectation is reasonable for yourself and by the official standards you are being held to. You are engaged to apply your skills, use your time and energy to contribute to a problem. The impact of your contribution could vary wildly. So steer yourself out of extreme expectations and put in your honest, best efforts. Be systematic and document everything. What you see as a negative result now could be a positive confirmation to a more experienced researcher. Remember, you are more important than all of this. It's just work; it doesn't deserve all the attention it gets. So what if there are a few people disappointed with you here and there? In all probability, there will always be a few people disappointed with you for the rest of your life. Actually, the list will probably grow. Good luck!

Don't Be a Perfectionist

A professor once told me, if you aim to write a perfect thesis, "you will never finish writing." This advice rings true. Many students waste valuable time striving for perfection, only to end up procrastinating. Balancing achievements in bachelor thesis and special occasions is crucial. Effective time management, setting goals, and celebrating milestones are key for success. Instead of aiming for flawlessness, focus on making steady progress each day. Remember, a mediocre finished thesis is better than a perfect unfinished one. By allowing yourself to collect your ideas without criticism, you can spark your creativity and overcome the fear of imperfection that may be holding you back from starting to write your thesis.

Take the 80/20 Rule Seriously

Each writing assignment will take you as much time as you’re willing to give it. If you allocate 10 hours to write something that usually takes 2 hours, you will spend 10 hours on it. Conversely, if you have an assignment that typically takes 10 hours and you only give yourself 2 hours, you will likely finish it in 2 hours. This is the essence of the 80/20 rule.

Focus on the tasks that will yield the most significant results with the least amount of effort. This means identifying the 20% of your work that will produce 80% of the outcomes. By doing so, you can make substantial progress without getting bogged down by less important details.

Remember, a mediocre finished thesis is better than a perfect unfinished one. Prioritize your tasks and manage your time effectively to ensure you make steady progress every day. This approach will help you complete your thesis within the 50-day timeframe.

Use Grammarly: An Online Writing Assistant

To help speed up the writing process, you can benefit from using a powerful writing assistant like Grammarly. Grammarly can save you a lot of time, especially when you're stuck looking for the right word or the right way to phrase a sentence. It provides context-specific vocabulary suggestions and corrections, allowing you to make informed decisions about what's best for your writing.

With Grammarly, you don’t have to worry about proofreading. It will do that for you. You don’t have to worry about manually checking for plagiarism, style, punctuation, and even wordiness. Grammarly can help you do all of that and will also offer explanations for the reasoning behind each correction.

Grammarly is not just for your thesis. You can also use it for better and more professional-sounding emails, especially when you want to email your advisor and your committee. You can also use Grammarly across pretty much all of your social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more.

In order to get access to all the tools that will help you write your thesis efficiently, I recommend their premium plan. The total cost comes out to 2 – 3 cups of cappuccinos… it’s worth it.

Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

When working on your bachelor's thesis, it's crucial to remember that you don't need to start from scratch. Many students fall into the trap of trying to create something entirely new, but this can lead to unnecessary stress and wasted time. Instead, look for existing research, frameworks, and methodologies that you can build upon. Leverage the work of others to make your process more efficient and effective.

For instance, if you're studying a well-trodden topic, there are likely numerous journal articles, books, and online resources that can provide a solid foundation for your work. Use these resources to inform your research and structure your thesis. This approach not only saves time but also helps you avoid common pitfalls and mistakes.

Additionally, consider using tools and software that are already available. Many academic institutions provide access to databases, citation managers, and writing aids that can streamline your work. By utilizing these tools, you can focus more on the content and quality of your thesis rather than getting bogged down in the technical details.

Remember, the goal is to produce a high-quality thesis, not to reinvent the wheel. By building on existing knowledge and using available resources, you can achieve this more efficiently and effectively.

Complete a Quick First Draft

Keep up the momentum! Assuming the first draft won’t be your last draft, try to get your thoughts on paper without spending too much time fussing over minor stylistic concerns. At the drafting stage, it’s all about getting those ideas on paper. Once that task is done, you can turn your attention to revising.

The most helpful tip that I can share with you is to force yourself to write a quick high school draft (first draft) of the entire thesis. Go all the way through until you have a completed first draft of your thesis in your hands.

This is going to be tremendously helpful for your progress because if you can see the conclusion of your thesis, you will a have better sense of which parts of your thesis need work, and which parts need to be completely cut out.

Journal Articles Are Your Best Friend

Journal articles are incredibly useful for your thesis. They are usually less than 25 pages long, and sometimes even shorter than 15 pages. The best part is that they are succinct. By reading the abstract, you can quickly understand the main argument and strategy of the paper. This saves you a lot of time and effort.

Moreover, journal articles help you position your thesis within the existing literature on your topic. This gives you a much clearer direction. You can explore the journeys, challenges, and strategies of thesis graduates, inspiring perseverance and determination for academic success.

Here are some tips for using journal articles effectively:

1. Read the Abstract First: This gives you a quick overview of the paper's main points.
2. Use Bibliographic Databases: These are valuable tools for finding relevant articles.
3. Consult Your Institutional Library: The library staff can help you find the right resources.

By following these steps, you can make journal articles your best friend in completing your thesis efficiently.

Write (Your Thesis) Everywhere

Using every bit of your free time can make a huge difference in completing your thesis. Whether you're waiting for a friend, on the bus, or having lunch, these moments can be used to write or read. This approach helps you tackle what some call the "familiarity deficit." Don't underestimate the value of these small pockets of time. They can give you a head start when you sit down to work on a specific chapter of your thesis.

Join Online Writing Communities

Joining online writing communities can be a game-changer for your thesis writing journey. These platforms offer a wealth of support from people who are going through the same challenges. Phinished is one such community that has helped many students complete their theses. By creating a free account, you can connect with others, share your progress, and get valuable feedback.

Online writing communities are not just about getting help; they also provide a sense of accountability. When you see others making progress, it can motivate you to keep going. Additionally, these communities often have resources like writing tips, workshops, and even mini-courses to help you improve your skills.

Here are some benefits of joining online writing communities:

• Access to a supportive network
• Opportunities for feedback and critique
• Resources for improving writing skills
• Increased motivation and accountability

In summary, joining an online writing community can provide the support and resources you need to finish your thesis on time. Don't underestimate the power of a supportive network in helping you achieve your academic goals.

Follow Through on Your Commitments

Following through on your commitments is crucial for completing your thesis on time. Effective planning is key: begin by meticulously outlining your thesis structure and setting clear milestones. Break down your research objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. At the end of every session, tell your supervisor about the tasks you plan to finish before the next meeting. This will give you a clear plan of action and make you feel accountable.

Don't forget to communicate with your professors and teammates. Keep your committee updated on your progress. One effective method is to write short status reports, which you can email to your professors and team members weekly. These serve as an efficient way of keeping everyone up to date on what you're doing.

Make yourself accountable to someone other than yourself. Form a writing group or enlist a peer reader who can help you stick to your goals. If your advisor encourages you to work mostly independently, don't be afraid to ask them to set up periodic meetings where you'll turn in installments of your project.

Be Realistically Optimistic

When working on your thesis, it's crucial to maintain a balanced outlook. Steer yourself out of both extreme expectations—thinking you will fail completely or that you will create a revolution through your work. Instead, focus on putting in your honest, best efforts. Document everything systematically, as what you see as a negative result now could be a positive confirmation to a more experienced eye.

To help your brain function at its best, provide it with the right conditions. Remove negative thoughts like worries and fears as soon as you become aware of them. Be proactive in seeking help and information from your supervisors and anyone else who might provide valuable insights. This proactive approach can significantly reduce academic stress related to thesis writing.

Remember, life goes by fast, and if you don't stop and look around, you might miss it. Balance your work with other aspects of life to maintain perspective. People often take better care of their cars than their own bodies, so make sure to look after yourself too.

Validate Your Business Ideas

Validating your business ideas is a crucial step in ensuring their success. It's a good idea to write down any ideas you have about your business, then use the validation process to test those ideas. You may have great business concepts, but without proper validation, they might not succeed in the real world.

Start by conducting market research to understand your target audience and their needs. This will help you determine if there is a demand for your product or service. Next, create a minimum viable product (MVP) to test your idea with real users. Gather feedback and make necessary adjustments based on their responses.

Another effective method is to analyze your competitors. Look at what they are doing well and identify areas where you can improve. This can give you a head start for the next round of experimentation. Additionally, consider seeking advice from mentors or industry experts who can provide valuable insights and guidance.

Remember, startups are business experiments performed with other people's money. Therefore, it's essential to be systematic and document everything. What you see as a negative result or failure now could be a positive confirmation to a more experienced individual. By following these steps, you can validate your business ideas and increase your chances of success.

Negotiate Your Salary and Get Promoted

When you begin your salary negotiation, be sure to reiterate why you'll be a valuable employee and use the above factors to justify your desired salary. Highlight your achievements and how they align with the company's goals. This will make a strong case for your request.

1. Research Market Rates: Acquire salary information on your own by making use of your network. Don’t ask for someone’s salary directly, unless it’s someone you know very well and even then be very careful. Instead, bounce figures off people and see how they respond. Do they think the figure you mention is high, low, or about right? By seeing how people respond you can get an idea of what the market range is.
2. Consider the Entire Package: Look at the entire package. Starting salary may not be as important as other benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and work-life balance. Factor in benefits and the expected workload into your compensation evaluation. An offer with high compensation may seem less attractive if you have to work 80 hour weeks in that position.
3. Be Prepared for a Waiting Game: Offers are a waiting game. Be prepared for lots of frustration. You need a written offer or nothing is official; you should also accept or reject in writing. Negotiate, but be aware of the strength or weakness of your position. I also recommend doing only one round of negotiating (i.e. you counterpropose terms, and the organization responds to that, and then you make a decision).

Generate Reproducible Data

Generating reproducible data is crucial for the success and quality of your thesis. Well-documented and well-tested experiments are essential, even if they produce null results. This practice not only ensures the reliability of your findings but also gives you a head start for future experiments.

To achieve reproducibility, follow these steps:

1. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your experimental setup, procedures, and any adjustments made. This will help you and others replicate the study.
2. Test Thoroughly: Run multiple samples through your system to ensure consistency. This might take time, but it's worth the effort.
3. Use Public Datasets: If possible, use publicly available datasets in your research domain. This can save you time and help avoid issues like missing values or noise.
4. Be Transparent: Clearly describe your data, including its content, quality, and collection methods. Transparency is key to reproducibility.

Remember, the importance of setting realistic deadlines for your thesis cannot be overstated. By planning and executing your experiments methodically, you can generate reliable data that will stand up to scrutiny.

Organize Your Data

Organizing your data is a crucial step in completing your thesis efficiently. Sort your evidence or research into analytical categories to make your writing process smoother. There are several methods to do this:

• Some people file note cards into categories.
• The technologically-oriented among us take notes using computer database programs that have built-in sorting mechanisms.
• Others cut and paste evidence into detailed outlines on their computer.
• Still others stack books, notes, and photocopies into topically-arranged piles.

There is no single right way, but this step—in some form or fashion—is essential!

Write a Proper Thesis

Writing a proper thesis is a crucial step in your academic journey. Creating an effective master thesis outline is essential to keep your work organized and focused. Start by clearly defining your research question. This will guide your entire project and keep you on track.

Next, draft a comprehensive research proposal. This document should outline your objectives, methodology, and the significance of your study. It serves as a roadmap for your thesis and helps you stay focused on your goals.

When writing your thesis, maintain a critical and objective tone. Support your theories with examples and quotes to strengthen your arguments. Remember, your thesis is not a place for personal opinions; it should be grounded in research and evidence.

To stay organized, create a detailed outline that breaks down each chapter and section. This will help you manage your time effectively and ensure that you cover all necessary points. Additionally, keep track of your sources and data meticulously to avoid any confusion later on.

Finally, don't be afraid to seek feedback from your peers and supervisors. They can provide valuable insights and help you improve your work. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to writing a proper thesis that meets academic standards and showcases your research skills.

Avoid Procrastination

Procrastination can be a major roadblock in completing your thesis. It often leads to focusing on one part of the task at the expense of the rest. For example, you might keep working on the introduction while putting off writing the body and conclusion. To overcome procrastination, break your work into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes the overall project less overwhelming and easier to tackle.

Here are some strategies to help you avoid procrastination:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define what you need to achieve each day. This gives you a clear direction and purpose.
2. Create a Schedule: Allocate specific times for writing, research, and breaks. Stick to this schedule as closely as possible.
3. Eliminate Distractions: Find a quiet place to work and turn off notifications on your devices.
4. Use a Timer: Work in short bursts, such as 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. This technique is known as the Pomodoro Technique.
5. Reward Yourself: Give yourself small rewards for completing tasks. This can motivate you to keep going.

Remember, the key is to start. Once you begin, it becomes easier to continue. Procrastination is a habit that can be broken with consistent effort and the right strategies.

Maintain Work-Life Balance

Balancing work and life is crucial when working on a large research project. You might get so absorbed in your work that you forget about other important parts of your life, like your relationships and personal health. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for your well-being and overall success. Here are a few tips to help you manage:

1. Set clear boundaries: Make sure to set specific times for work and personal activities. This helps you stay focused and ensures you have time for both.
2. Take regular breaks: Short breaks can help you recharge and stay productive. Don't forget to take weekends off to relax and unwind.
3. Prioritize self-care: Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, like exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
4. Seek support: Don't hesitate to ask for help or advice from supervisors, friends, or family. They can provide valuable insights and support.

By following these tips, you can maintain a healthy balance between your work and personal life, ensuring your well-being and success.

Create an Effective System

Creating an effective system is crucial for completing your bachelor's thesis on time. Being systematic and documenting everything can make a significant difference. Start by writing a plan for every day. This helps with two common issues: getting started and avoiding the feeling that days blend together without progress.

Next, turn your work hours into measurable progress. Be deliberate with how you allocate your time. Break down your thesis into smaller chunks and set specific goals for each block of time. This approach ensures that you are making steady progress and not just randomly putting words on paper.

Remember, what you see as a negative result or failure now could be a positive confirmation to a more experienced researcher. Stay focused and keep moving forward.

Be Firm About Deadlines

Mastering time management is crucial for meeting thesis deadlines. Consistent effort and discipline are key to staying on track. Start by setting clear goals and making a timetable. Identify the final deadline for submitting your thesis and work backwards to allocate time for each stage of the process.

If you struggle with procrastination, talk to your supervisor about setting up earlier deadlines. This can motivate you to start work early and finish most of it before the actual deadline. Remember, it's important to be realistic about how much you can achieve in a day. Plan your work schedule accordingly and take breaks to avoid burnout.

Here are some strategies to help you stay firm about deadlines:

• Set clear, achievable goals.
• Break down tasks into smaller, manageable parts.
• Use tools like calendars and planners to keep track of deadlines.
• Regularly review and adjust your timetable as needed.

By understanding time management and identifying challenges, you can implement effective strategies to meet your thesis deadlines.

Seek Supportive Supervision

Finding the right supervisor is crucial for your thesis success. Schedule regular meetings to keep them updated on your progress and ask for help if necessary. This way, if you are doing something wrong, it will be easier to spot and correct before it’s too late. During each meeting, discuss what you’ve done recently, your next steps, and any questions that came up.

Once you find someone willing to supervise your thesis, keep them in the loop on a regular basis. Communicating with them is one of the crucial components of a successful thesis. It can greatly improve the final outcome and help to maintain motivation. Additionally, building a strong working relationship with your supervisor can be beneficial for both of you in the long run, as they may be able to provide valuable references and connections in the future.

In some cases, you might have more than one supervisor. Each of them will provide you with support according to their area of expertise. Even if they do not push or pull you about the work you do, be proactive and go talk to them. Tell them about your results so far, the problems encountered, and ask for help. Ask to be assigned to other specialists who might have good feedback you can use.

Do some research about your potential supervisors, read their published papers. Are they interesting to you? Schedule a call or meeting with them. Are they able to explain the thesis topic clearly? If not, it might mean communicating with them during your thesis will be problematic. Do they seem excited about it? Do they post their research on social media such as Twitter? Did you have any lectures with them? Did you enjoy them?

Overcome Mental Roadblocks

Mental roadblocks can be a significant barrier when working on your thesis. Writer's block—having difficulty producing new writing—affects almost every writer at some point, and it can be debilitating for our creativity. To overcome these challenges, consider the following strategies:

1. Provide the best conditions for your brain to function at maximum capacity. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking regular breaks.
2. Remove negative thoughts from your mind. Worries, fears, and negative emotions will appear independently of your will, but when you become aware of them, push them out again.
3. Be proactive and stay in regular contact with your supervisors. They can offer valuable feedback and keep you on track.
4. Seek help, information, and ideas from anyone who might be able to provide them. This could be peers, mentors, or online communities.

When you are working alone, you are essentially the team leader to yourself. This can be tough, but setting very tiny goals and just keeping moving can help. You'd be surprised at how much progress you can make by just taking small steps. If you find yourself stuck, try "vomit writing"—just write anything that comes to mind to get the words flowing.

Sometimes, taking a few days' rest and coming back to your work with a fresh perspective can make a big difference. Reading research papers from a different but related topic can also reveal new avenues for inquiry. Remember, overcoming mental roadblocks is about persistence and finding what works best for you.

Take Action

Taking action is crucial to completing your thesis. Staying active and engaged with your work will help you maintain momentum. At the most basic level, you have two choices: either continue with your thesis or leave the program. Making a choice can be empowering and lead to positive outcomes. If you're unsure, consider giving yourself a time limit, like "I'll give this another month, and if I'm not happy, I'll leave." This can help you stay focused and motivated.

You are engaged to apply your skills and use your time and energy to contribute to your thesis. The impact of your work can vary, so avoid extreme expectations. Instead, put in your honest, best efforts. Be systematic and document everything. What you see as a negative result now could be a positive confirmation to a more experienced eye.

Write a plan for every day. This helps with two common issues: getting started and feeling like you're not making progress. A daily plan can keep you on track and make your work feel more manageable.

Avoid Burnout

Burnout is a common issue when working on a thesis, but there are ways to prevent it. Pace yourself and plan your work schedule realistically. Know how much you need to get done and by when. It's important to take breaks and not work on weekends. This helps you stay positive and maintain a growth mindset.

Take Breaks

Taking regular breaks is crucial. Use techniques like timeboxing or pomodoros, where you work for a set time, like 20 minutes, and then take a 5-minute break. This helps you stay focused and prevents feelings of overwhelm.

Stay Positive

Stay positive and maintain a growth mindset. Recognize that thesis writing is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Remind yourself of your progress and achievements to keep motivated.

Seek Support

Be proactive and seek help or information from your supervisors or anyone who might be able to provide it. Regular contact with your supervisors can provide the best conditions for your brain to function at maximum capacity.

Remove Negative Thoughts

Remove negative thoughts like worries and fears from your mind. They will appear, but when you become aware of them, push them out again. This will help you stay focused and productive.

and more

In addition to the techniques and advice already discussed, there are several other strategies that can help you finish your bachelor's thesi