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...