The dissertation is required when you are seeking an advanced degree. The topic you select must be approved before you can begin the project. Your school and degree department will have paperwork, policies, and fees that you have to pay and complete before you can move ahead, as well.
Then you will hold meetings with your dissertation faculty advisor. You can pick this person and ideally you will pick someone you have a relationship with before you began this process. Your ultimate goals are to prove your points, successfully argue your ideas, and show your vast knowledge of the subject field. This piece will be published, those in your field will read it, and it could open doors of employment for you.
You must have a dedicated workspace. You may be married and have three kids, and space may be at a minimum, but you must have an area that is strictly your space. You don’t want have to pick up your work for dinner, worry about the baby getting into your papers, or any other possible situations that may occur when you are working in a shared space.
I swear by the giant calendar. I like one that is hung on the wall beside your desk. If it is on the desktop, it may get buried and covered under your papers, books, and computer. I color code different jobs such as interviews, workday, and writing time. Then work backwards to the very first day you start and write down every job you need to complete. You should make sure to incorporate some off days within the agenda for relaxation and refreshing of your mind and spirit.
Make sure you meet frequently with the faculty advisor. He or she should see you enough that he or she knows who you are, what you wish to accomplish, and what issues you may be experiencing. You should never miss scheduled meetings or ignore messages from the advisor.