Breaking goals down using the SMART framework
Another way of thinking about goal setting is to use the SMART framework to create or improve goals. You can apply SMART goal-setting in conjunction with short-, medium-, and long-term goals, as well as process and outcome goals, which makes it a flexible framework for staying motivated.
SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. You should check that all of your goals contain components of SMART.
Your goal should be clear and detailed.
Ask: What exactly do I want to achieve?
Try: “Revise lecture notes from Weeks 1–3 by Sunday”
You need to be able to track your progress.
Ask: How will I know I’ve finished this?
Try: “Write 300 words each day this week” rather than “Work on my essay”
Your goal should be realistic given your time, energy, and other commitments.
Ask: Is this goal manageable for me right now?
Pushing yourself is good—overloading isn’t.
Make sure your goal is linked to your academic needs or values.
Ask: Why does this matter to me?
Try: “Draft this week’s lab report to stay on top of my unit workload”
Every goal needs a deadline.
Ask: When do I want to complete this by?
Deadlines create structure and urgency—even if it’s a soft one.
Not-so-SMART vs SMART goals
| Not-so-SMART (Vague) goal | SMART goal |
|---|---|
“I want to do better at uni.” (Not specific) | I will aim to get a distinction average in my Law subjects and a high distinction in my language subjects next semester. (Specific) |
“I will try my best in physics.” (Not measurable) | I will focus my efforts on physics which is my weakest subject. I will ensure that I understand each week’s content by completing the revision quizzes by the end of the week, and when I don’t understand something, I will note it down and ask my tutor before the following week’s content is presented. (Measurable) |
“I will learn 12 weeks of content in a week.” (Not achievable) | I will start revision four weeks before the exam by making a study plan and then stick to it by asking my study buddy to test me on content at the end of each week. (Achievable) |
“I will learn Japanese, just because.” (Not relevant) | I want to improve my Japanese before going on exchange to Osaka next semester. To do that I will spend 15 minutes each day learning new vocabulary, and spend 1 hour each Saturday speaking Japanese at Language Exchange. (Relevant) |
“At some point, I will find time to write the literature review.” (Not time-bound) | My literature review is due in three weeks. I will allocate two hours every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to work on this. (time-bound) |
Setting your own SMART academic goals
Now that you’re on top of the theory of goal-setting, try working through a few of your own academic goals, ensuring that they are realistic and achievable. Follow the process set out in the documentation tool below and download it once completed.