Delvere, your challenge is an area I spend a lot of time researching and thinking about. I'm constantly looking out for tips, etc. After my current run of work contracts trail off in 2023 I am fantasizing about helping people Keep Calm and write the D*** Thesis.

There are actually several selves inside you competing for leadership. Reading through your posts I can spot possible 4 or 5. Even how you named this thread shows a competition of selves.

In my own experience I had several insights that propelled me on. I'll share them slowly so you can ask questions here and I add more detail—if that serves.

As the writing self wants leadership, I'll begin with how my writing self worked its way to the quarter and then semi-finals, and won the championship. In the meantime, all the other challenges and emotional states were not solved, but having found them out, I began to resolve some of them after finishing my degree.

The strongest thing that motivates me is wanting to live a life of virtue. Part of that is I keep promises—"my word is my guarantee." One day when I was stalled I happened to see a friend walking past my window. I shared my dilemma, and she said, "In college I used to volunteer to help people with their papers." Great, Let's set an appointment, and I'll show up in two weeks with what I have." We did, and you better believe I didn't call and postpone, cancel, or arrive empty handed. We did that for all my papers and the first draft of my dissertation!

Tip: Find someone to commit to bringing draft work to. Make an appointment. Then get busy so you don't let anyone down.