Build Study Routine 3 of 3: Roadblocks
September 22, 2026 | Jennifer Griffin | jgriffin@uwf.edu
We all occasionally struggle with focus and finding study time. Don’t quit. Here are some common roadblocks and ideas on how to overcome them.
Struggling? Don’t give up! 💪
- Procrastination - I think we are all guilty of this sometimes (I know I am!). As hard as it is, the key is to just start. Commit to spending even just 10 minutes on getting started on a task. It can also help to break down the task into baby steps, so you can make progress without getting overwhelmed. Another idea to help is to write down the due date a couple of days before it is actually due - this gives you some wiggle time (and don’t forget to leave time to submit it to the Writing Lab!)
- Overwhelm - When we feel overwhelmed, it is easy to give up or procrastinate. Break down assignments, tasks, or studying into baby steps that can be completed over the course of several days. Doing this reduces stress, and completing each small task gives you immediate momentum and steady progress.
- Digital Distractions - Studying is the perfect time to turn on Do Not Disturb. But if you are anything like me, even without notifications, digital distractions can still be distracting - mostly because I get on my phone to avoid doing work. Try leaving your phone in another room or across the room (or in your bag if you are studying outside your home).
- Lack of Motivation - It happens to everyone. Even when you are determined to meet your goal of completing your degree. When it hits, remember why you are doing this and break down your tasks into baby steps. Just getting started is half the battle - I think of this as a “Do It Anyways” mindset. When I really don’t want to start, I take a deep breath and tell myself to “do it anyway.” You will thank yourself in the long run.
- Schedule Changes - Life happens. Be kind to yourself and don’t let it derail you. I recommend building a flexibility block into your weekly schedule. This can be used for studying if your schedule changes, or you get behind, or you just need additional time. If you don’t need it, use that time to do something just for you.
- Falling Behind - Sometimes, when life happens, and you fall behind, it can feel impossible to catch up. But don’t quit. At the start of each week, set aside 15 minutes to look at your schedule and prioritize. Make a plan to get caught up. Be sure to email your professor and let them know what is going on, and explain your plan to catch up.
Build an effective study routine, not a longer one. 🎯
Completing any degree can be challenging. The number one reason that students struggle to be successful is a lack of time management. If you cannot put in the time and effort to complete your coursework and assignments, it is almost impossible to be successful. An effective study routine can help manage this issue. When studying effectively, longer doesn’t always mean better because you are using your time wisely.
Some other tips:
- Don’t just create a study schedule - use it
- Just get started! That is half the battle
- Make sure you check your email and Canvas for announcements from your professor regularly
- Verify due dates for everything
- Learn to prioritize
- Break down assignments, so you are not doing everything at the last minute
- Avoid multitasking - our brains do not work effectively when doing more than one thing at a time
- Don’t worry about perfection; do your best to be as consistent as possible and keep moving forward when you cannot stick to it
Finally, don’t forget your advisor is here to help you. We would be happy to help if you need assistance or advice in creating a weekly schedule or overcoming roadblocks. We want to see all of our students be successful and achieve all they set out to do.
Coming next month: Crucial Money and Emergency Resources Every Argo Should Know!
