Mastering these skills spells the difference between A.B.D. and Ph.D.

-refuting the magnum opus myth
-coping with the dissertation as obsession (magnificent or otherwise)
-the fine art of selecting a topic
-writing the dissertation with publication in mind
-when to stand your ground and when to prudently retreat if the committee's conception of your thesis differs substantially from your own
-dealing with obstructive committee members, and keeping the fences mended
-how to reconsider negative findings as useful data
-reviewing your progress, and getting out of the dissertation dumps
-defending your paper successfully-distinguishing between mere formalities and a serious substantive challenge
-exploiting the career potential of your dissertation
-and much, much more