The DSW Journey: Progress, Pressure, and Giving Yourself Grace
In this episode of The G. Taylor Show, I pulled back the curtain on my journey through the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program—the good, the challenging, and the parts we don’t always talk about out loud.
Doctoral work has a way of stretching you. Intellectually, emotionally, and practically. And while the degree may come with a title at the end, the process itself is deeply human.
The Reality of Doctoral Life
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in the DSW program is that brilliance alone won’t carry you through. Time management and organization are not optional—they’re survival skills.
Between coursework, research, writing, work responsibilities, family life, and everything else pulling at your attention, the margin gets thin fast. The students who last aren’t always the smartest in the room—they’re often the ones who learn how to plan, prioritize, and protect their time.
And even then, it’s still hard.
Research and Writing: Less Is More
If there’s one piece of advice I give consistently, it’s this: narrow your focus.
Doctoral students often want to tackle everything—every issue, every population, every injustice. That passion matters, but unfocused research can quickly become overwhelming. Clarity is what creates momentum.
The writing process isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. Drafts will be messy. Arguments will shift. Ideas will evolve. That’s not failure—that’s learning happening in real time.
You Don’t Do This Alone
Another truth that deserves more airtime: community matters.
Doctoral programs can feel isolating, especially when you’re the one people assume “has it together.” But nobody completes this journey alone. Support from friends, family, peers, mentors, and faith communities can make the difference between burnout and balance.
Sometimes support looks like encouragement.
Sometimes it looks like accountability.
Sometimes it looks like someone is reminding you to rest.
All of it counts.
Setbacks Are Part of the Process
There will be moments when you miss a deadline, question your abilities, or feel behind compared to others. That doesn’t mean you don’t belong. It means you’re human in a demanding space.
Growth isn’t linear. Neither is confidence.
What matters most is that you keep showing up—adjusting when needed, asking for help when necessary, and remembering why you started in the first place.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing a doctorate isn’t just an academic decision—it’s a personal one. It will challenge how you think, how you manage your life, and how you see yourself.
If you’re in the middle of the journey right now, hear this clearly:
You’re allowed to struggle. You’re allowed to pause. And you’re allowed to lean on your people.
Progress is still progress—even on the hard days.
Keep going. You’re closer than you think.