My experience suggests you need aloooot of patience and practice getting the hang of the game sometimes.

I think putting as many researchers as possible to work helps. Keep a few Masters at the table, they build points faster, put the Chief at the table because it helps them work more effectively and maybe check out the alchemy thread to see if there's anything that moves villagers faster...it may help. Otherwise, just keep trying...you'll get it. Also, look at the tech to strategize...what needs to be purchased first...what can wait.

Hope this helps some. Good luck!