Book excerpt: WHAT do you want to earn your doctorate FOR, and HOW? Sooner or later, many doctoral candidates have doubts as to whether the journey they have embarked on really makes sense for them, and/or want to get more out of their investment of time and energy. The solution often lies in self-guidance and personal responsibility which is where this book comes in. It offers various ideas and suggestions for how to strengthen your competency in self-leadership. What do you want to earn your doctorate for, and how? That is the central question of this book, which is aimed at doctoral candidates, teachers, university training centres, and whoever is interested in self-leadership. Lead yourself on a high level, taking full responsibility for yourself during your doctoral journey, and, going forward, as a leader in your field of expertise.