For the newbies and uninformed, this account may seem exaggerated at best. But ask anyone who has experienced their own version of dissertation writing, and worse horror stories may just pour out. Indeed, from the conceptualization to actual presentation, varying thesis problems seem to be just waiting in the wings to ambush the unaware. It is no wonder then that the mere mention of a dissertation work can strike dread and wretched memories among those who went through the same ordeal.

Nevertheless, as difficult as it may appear, dissertation writing need not be as draining and mind-numbing. The best way to go about the process is to observe the mistakes of the past and learn from them. In this way, the earlier thesis problems can be prevented, with the writer reserving sufficient energy on other unforeseen roadblocks.

There are arguably four main dissertation problems that can be nipped in the bud before they can escalate to serious headaches. One pertains to choosing the right topic, and choosing it early. This is a very crucial beginning for writers, but many still gets hopelessly ensnared with poor choices. Looking back, a number of student writers have been known to pick themes that are a bit far from their own interests, and thus found themselves losing steam midway of the dissertation process. Lesson Learned: the writer should choose a topic that strongly appeals to his interest. Better yet, use this question during those fateful days of topic searching: What particular subject will be interesting enough to write about for an entire year?

Another thesis problem that can be avoided refers to having an incompatible mentor. It is never a good thing if a mentor and writer are worlds apart in terms of interests, work practice, and writing styles. With such a combination, both parties may just end up butting heads all throughout the dissertation process. Clearly, the writer stands to lose more, what with the dissertation hanging in the balance of two opposing forces. Lesson Learned: the writer should never underestimate the value of a great mentor. The chosen mentor should have a profound interest and knowledge on the thesis topic, have an efficient organizational skills that can complement the writer's own work schedule, as well as possess that fervent commitment in guiding the thesis work until the end.

The third preventable dissertation problem pertains to the habit of procrastination, and all the resulting conflicts that arises because of such a sin. Some writers have this notion that a year seems so far away, thus delaying all the work. But therein lies the trap. As the writer procrastinates on thesis duties, time is moving steadily towards the deadline.

And before the writer can so much as blink, piles and piles of research, writing, additional research, and drafting are all waiting to be accomplished. Lesson Learned: Time flies fast for dissertation duty, so maximize every opportunity to work on the material. Research early and write on a consistent schedule.

With these usual problems out of the way, a heavy load of work, not to mention stress, will definitely be lifted from the writer. Indeed, it pays to remember that dissertation writing is difficult and demanding enough. It is then best not to make it more complicated than it already is.