Posted on Feb. 23rd, 2025

Writing a dissertation is one of the most challenging academic milestones you will face. It requires persistence, careful planning, and a deep understanding of qualitative research—but that doesn’t mean it has to feel impossible.

Many doctoral candidates encounter obstacles along the way that slow down their progress or make them question whether they can finish. From struggling to refine a research question to feeling lost in data analysis, these challenges can feel overwhelming. However, with the right approach and support, you can overcome these roadblocks and stay on track toward your doctoral degree. In this post, we’ll break down some of the most common dissertation struggles and explore practical strategies to move past them with confidence.

Refining Your Research Question

A weak or overly broad research question is one of the first major obstacles many students face. Without a clear and specific focus, it’s easy to feel lost in an overwhelming amount of literature and unsure how to frame your study. Many doctoral candidates start with a general idea of what they want to research but struggle to narrow it down into something manageable. The key to overcoming this hurdle is to focus on specificity—your research question should be clear, researchable, and aligned with the qualitative tradition you plan to use. If it feels too broad, consider what specific aspect of the topic excites you the most and refine your question around that.

Another way to strengthen your research question is to ensure it connects to an existing gap in the literature. A strong dissertation is built on the foundation of what has already been studied and identifies where new insights are needed. Review recent studies in your field and ask yourself: What has been overlooked? What perspectives have been underrepresented? By framing your research in a way that addresses a genuine need, you’ll not only strengthen your study but also feel more confident in its significance. If you’re struggling, working with a dissertation coach can help clarify your focus and ensure your research question is well-structured from the start.

Taming the Literature Review

The literature review is where many doctoral candidates get stuck. The sheer volume of academic papers, theories, and sources can make it feel like a never-ending task. It’s easy to fall into the trap of reading too much without a clear strategy, which can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to organize your findings. Instead of aimlessly gathering articles, approach your literature review with a structured plan. Identify key themes or categories that emerge from your reading and organize your sources accordingly.

One effective way to manage your literature review is to use annotation and synthesis techniques. Summarizing articles in your own words, noting their key contributions, and identifying how they relate to your research question will help you avoid information overload. Instead of treating each source as an isolated piece, think about how they connect to each other and build a narrative that leads to your study’s purpose. Keeping your review focused and intentional will prevent unnecessary detours and make the writing process smoother.

Avoiding Analysis Paralysis in Methodology Selection

Choosing the right qualitative research methodology can feel intimidating, especially if you're torn between multiple approaches. Many doctoral candidates get stuck here, unsure whether to use phenomenology, grounded theory, case study, or ethnography. The fear of picking the "wrong" methodology can lead to prolonged indecision, delaying progress on your proposal. The key to overcoming this roadblock is to match your methodology to your research question. If you're studying lived experiences, phenomenology might be the right fit. If you're developing a new theory, grounded theory could be the way to go.

Another factor to consider is your comfort level with data collection and analysis methods. Each qualitative tradition comes with specific techniques—some require in-depth interviews, others demand extensive fieldwork or document analysis. Consider what methods align with your research goals and the resources available to you. If you’re still unsure, consulting with a dissertation coach can provide clarity and direction in selecting the best methodology for your study.

Keeping Procrastination in Check

Procrastination is a dissertation killer. Many candidates put off writing because they feel overwhelmed, fear their work won’t be good enough, or struggle with perfectionism. The longer you avoid making progress, the more daunting the task becomes. The best way to fight procrastination is to break your dissertation into manageable tasks and set realistic goals. Instead of thinking about writing an entire chapter, focus on completing one section at a time.

Creating a structured writing schedule can also keep you accountable. Set designated time blocks for writing and stick to them, even if you don’t feel “inspired.” Consistency beats motivation when it comes to finishing your dissertation. If you struggle to stay on track, working with a coach or accountability partner can provide the push you need to stay productive and keep moving forward.

Handling Writer’s Block

Staring at a blank page, feeling like you have nothing to say, is one of the most frustrating dissertation struggles. Writer’s block can make even the most well-prepared candidates feel stuck. The problem often isn’t a lack of knowledge—it’s overthinking the process and placing too much pressure on the first draft. A great way to overcome writer’s block is to use freewriting techniques—set a timer for 15 minutes and write whatever comes to mind without worrying about perfection.

Another helpful approach is to start with the easiest section first. If the introduction feels overwhelming, begin with a section where you feel more confident. Writing anything is better than writing nothing, and once you get started, momentum builds. Remember, your first draft is just that—a draft. You can always revise and refine later. The goal is to get your ideas on paper and shape them as you go.

Making Sense of Data Analysis

Data analysis in qualitative research can feel like an overwhelming puzzle. With pages of interview transcripts, observations, and field notes, it’s easy to feel unsure of where to begin. One of the most effective ways to handle data analysis is to develop a clear coding strategy before you even start. Whether you use thematic analysis, narrative analysis, or another method, having a structured plan will help you stay focused and organized.

It’s also essential to trust the process. Qualitative research isn’t about forcing data into predefined categories—it’s about letting patterns emerge naturally. Take your time reviewing transcripts, highlighting key themes, and looking for meaning within the narratives. If analysis feels overwhelming, seeking guidance from a qualitative research coach can help you interpret your data with confidence and structure your findings effectively.

Staying Motivated Through the Final Stretch

As you approach the finish line, fatigue and burnout can set in. After months—or even years—of research and writing, it’s normal to feel drained. The key to staying motivated is to remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place. Reconnect with your original passion for the topic and envision how completing your dissertation will impact your career.

Celebrating small wins can also help maintain momentum. Each completed section, successful revision, or productive writing session is a step closer to the finish line. Surround yourself with a support system that encourages you to keep pushing forward. You’re closer than you think, and your work matters.

You Can Get Through This

Writing a dissertation is a challenging but achievable process. Every candidate encounters roadblocks, but with the right mindset, structure, and support, you can push through and complete your research successfully. The key is to break down challenges into manageable steps, stay consistent, and seek guidance when needed. If you're feeling stuck or need expert advice on your qualitative dissertation, I’m here to help. Call The Qualitative Doc LLC at (404) 451-5460 to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward earning your doctorate.