How do I stop procrastinating on a 15-page senior capstone thesis when the research phase feels overwhelming?

It's not uncommon for students to feel overwhelmed by the research phase of a capstone project, especially when it comes to synthesizing a large body of literature. The Pomodoro technique can be effective for managing time, but it may not be enough to overcome the mental block that's preventing you from starting your writing. One strategy to consider is to break down the research phase into smaller, more manageable tasks. Instead of trying to read and synthesize all the relevant literature at once, focus on a specific section or chapter of your thesis at a time. This will allow you to make progress on your research without feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of material. Additionally, try to identify the most critical sources that need to be included in your thesis and prioritize those first. Another approach is to shift your focus from research to planning and organization. Take a closer look at your rough outline and see if there are any areas where you can provide more detail or structure. Consider creating a mind map or a concept map to visualize the relationships between different ideas and concepts. This can help you to see the big picture and identify potential areas of confusion or disorganization. In terms of writing the first paragraph, try to focus on getting something down on paper, even if it's not perfect. Write a terrible first paragraph if that's what it takes to get started. Often, the hardest part of writing is getting past the initial blank page, and once you've made a start, you'll find it easier to build momentum and make progress.