How to finish my PhD
How I did it: Once I decided on my timeline, I set incredibly harsh goals on myself and followed through on them (though I was exhausted in meeting them). I took 12 credits of coursework every semester (to get it out of the way so I could get to the research) and consequently earned an MS in my first year. I relied upon my advisor as little as possible, as waiting for him greatly slowed me down, and accepted very few excuses from people who wished to delay me. I fought bitterly with many among the faculty and administration, but never over the quality of the research. Had they raised an objection to that, I would have delayed and rectified it. I accepted no other reasons for slowing me down.
I performed two experiments and wrote 10 pages of my dissertation each week. I made sure to do this consistently, because if I'd stop, I'd end up wasting at least a month before I could get started again (thus why it was so important to work without frequently waiting for my advisor's feedback). I first wrote whatever came to my mind, then fine-tuned it in batch later on, once the draft was complete.
Lessons & tips: Every time something about graduate school disgusts you, use that emotion as motivation to help you escape it. Find a good advisor if you can, but that's easier said than done.
Once you begin working on your research, build a list of priorities. Figure out what you wish to do and what obstacles you may face. Make up your own timeline and declare milestones. Stick this list on the first page of your dissertation so you are forced to stare at it each time you open the document. Cross goals out as you accomplish them. Allow extra time, for many obstacles spring up unpredictably. Work hard and consistently (but back off from it when you feel burnt out). Set deadlines for yourself or you'll procrastinate for months at a time.
Rely on your advisor as little as possible while writing; if he delays, he will break your momentum. If it seems like too much, focus on one step at a time. Don't worry about getting the writing and presentation perfect as you first write the dissertation; just try to get all of the information about your research down at first. Preliminary exams and publications will force you to tidy it up in batch anyway :). Revisions will come towards the end.
If *anyone* gets in your way, don't give up without a fight. Be as annoying and persistent as you need to be in order to get them out of your way. The grad. school will fight you. The faculty will fight you. Your advisor may even fight you. Give ground readily, but only to flaws in the research; do not accept arguments involving the economy, the paucity or abundance of grant money, the number of students in the lab, or how long "most people" take to complete their degrees as valid reasons to prolong your misery.
When it's finally all done, pat yourself on the back and breathe a sigh of relief! It's over!
Resources: http://www.phdcomics.com (it's scarily accurate, but helps you step back and laugh at the whole thing)
