We’ve all had it happen. Life just gets in the way, and we get side-tracked from doing what we really want to do. This happens more than you might think with students wanting to finish their degrees. Sometimes, students must put their studies on hold for many reasons including job loss or other financial burdens, having to assist a loved one who is ill, personal illness, the loss of a loved one, and more. Here are some tips that might help you get going again after being away from your studies.

1. Login to the school portal and review what you’ve accomplished and where you left off. You can login to the school portal by Clicking Here.

If you don’t remember your login information, contact me, Dr. Kelley, admin@tfuniversity.org. I will help you get logged back in and can also help you figure out where you left off, if necessary.

And by the way, if you have already enrolled in a degree program, then you are still enrolled in the degree program regardless of whether it has been 2 months or 10 years since you were last active.

2. Remember why you enrolled in the first place. Sometimes, we can lose sight of why we wanted to get our doctoral degree in the beginning. Take a moment to reflect on why you wanted your doctoral degree. What were the benefits to you? What were you going to do with it? Where did you see yourself after having completed your degree? Were you going to use your training and skills to help others with a view to making the world a better place? This is, indeed, a noble calling.

Some students have lost interest in the particular degree program in which they first enrolled. In some cases, they have contacted me and switched to a different degree program that is a better fit for where they are now. If this resonates with you, then contact me and we’ll see about changing your program to one that is more beneficial to you now.

3. Don’t let self-doubt or a lack of confidence discourage you. Almost every student has fears and doubts in the beginning. Some students have not taken courses in many years or even decades, so they worry that they won’t be able to pass the courses. However, nearly every student who felt this way in the beginning quickly realizes they had nothing to fear because the program is actually designed to help you succeed! The exams and assignments are all open book. And I am freely available to help you as needed. All you have to do is send me an email. I reply very promptly. You can even call me to ask questions or get advice (1.941.456.9995, 10 am to 9 pm Eastern, 7 days a week).

This program is life changing, but it won’t work unless you jump back in the driver’s seat and step on the gas.

4. Formulate an easy study schedule. Our courses are designed for busy adults. There is no fluff in the material. Everything in the course material is there to help you succeed.

Start by blocking some time to study. Make this easy so it is something with which you will follow through. It can be 30 minutes, an hour, or any amount of time that works for you. Even studying for 15 minutes 2 or 3 times a week is better than nothing. You will make progress. And once you start, you might just find that you will study a little longer and make even faster progress.

5. You are worthy of finishing your degree. Believe it. If not you, then who? Everyone is worthy of the good things life has to offer and completing your degree is a good thing.

If life has side-tracked you, simply make a decision to begin your studies again, and then take action. Take some kind of action. Resolve to get started again so that you can see the benefits of your accomplishments.

If you need any help or just an encouraging word, contact me!

—Dr. Doug Kelley