Block One

TFM Guide · Block 1 · Starting the Journey
September–December Block 1

Starting the Journey

Define your topic and supervisor, design a viable plan, and create sustainable work habits.

Define topic and supervisor
  • Align the topic with your interests and with the research lines of the center.
  • Specify a feasible scope.
  • Write a guiding question and 2–3 specific objectives.
Work plan
  • Define achievable objectives and success criteria.
  • Example: “Literature review ready = 20–30 sources + 3 summarized subsections.”
  • Block 2–3 weekly slots in your calendar of about 45 min/1h for yourself. You must attend those meetings (with yourself) and use them to read, write your thesis, or research.
Realistic and flexible milestone plan
  • Schedule meetings every 3–4 weeks with your supervisor or director.
  • Use a management system (Trello/Calendar) to organize yourself and stay up to date with all deadlines.
  • Include contingency margins; unexpected events are real and you need time to reorganize.
Literature review
  • Practice an organized method to read and map bibliography.
  • Answer: what is known, what is not, where the field is heading.
  • Use a reference manager (e.g., Zotero).
Support resources

How to Write a Thesis — Umberto Eco (initial chapters: how to choose and narrow down a topic)

Download PDF

TEDx Video

Emotional goal

Manage uncertainty, organize without stress, and increase initial motivation.

To always keep in mind:
“You don’t need to have everything clear from the beginning; what matters is to take the first step with curiosity.”
Practical exercises
  • Expectations map (10min): Write in two columns: what I expect from the thesis and what I fear from the thesis. Then, mark in color which depend on you and which do not. This helps focus your energy.
  • Micro-meditation (3min): Sit down, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and visualize yourself finishing the thesis. Feel the calm of “having already arrived.”
  • Personal contract: write 3 simple commitments to maintain balance: e.g., respect my rest times, ask for help when I need it, avoid constant comparison with others.