Build the Study Routine That Works
A Clear, Practical System to Stay on Top of School and Build Skills You Will Use for Life
A Clear, Practical System to Stay on Top of School and Build Skills You Will Use for Life
Most students aren’t struggling because they’re unmotivated. They’re struggling because planning systems are often too complex, too rigid, or never designed with real student life in mind.
You don’t need a trendier system! You need a simpler one.
Why most students struggle with time management—and why the solution isn’t more apps or more discipline. Learn the core ideas behind a planning system built for real student life.
Start with the big picture. Learn how to map out your semester, schedule key deadlines, and create clarity before the busy weeks begin. This becomes the foundation for all your planning.
The heart of the system. Build a realistic weekly plan that balances classes, study sessions, work, and life—with built-in flexibility for the unexpected.
Create meaningful study blocks, avoid over-scheduling, and protect your ability to focus. Learn how to make daily progress even on your busiest days.
Not every hour is equal. Discover how to match tasks to your natural energy levels and design study sessions that actually work for you.
What to do when plans fall apart, weeks get overwhelming, or motivation drops. Learn simple reset routines and recovery strategies that keep you moving forward.
"It’s 10 p.m., and the clock is ticking. Your essay is due tomorrow, there’s a quiz you forgot to study for, and your group project partner is waiting on your reply. Sound familiar? For many students, days like these are all too common—a blur of missed deadlines, last-minute cramming, and constant stress. Add a part-time job or other responsibilities, and it can feel like there’s barely room to breathe."
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"Maybe that’s why you’re here. Maybe you’re trying to keep up without burning out. Maybe you’ve tried planning systems before, but they fell apart the moment life got hectic. Or maybe school isn’t your only priority and you just need a way to make your time stretch farther."
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"Whatever your situation, one thing is true: taking control of your time changes more than your calendar—it changes your direction."
— Preface
Russ Samm spent many years in school, eventually completing a PhD and learning through experience how planning shapes the way we use our time. His approach grew out of years of trying different ways of organizing his days, adjusting them, and keeping only what proved useful in real life. He wrote this book to share the methods that have made a difference in his own work and in the lives of the people around him.
Every copy comes with downloadable planning templates, worksheets, and guides referenced throughout the book.
A birds-eye view of your entire semester. PDF and editable.
A detailed view of your week, with hourly slots. PDF and editable.
The most detailed view of your day to make the most of your time. PDF and editable.
Follow the step-by-step instructions to make the most of each planner.
Available in paperback and Kindle formats on Amazon. Start reading in minutes.
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