The SMART model was developed by psychologists as a tool to help people set and reach their goals.

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time-bound

In the next three sections you will have the opportunity to set yourself career, academic and personal goals. You may find it useful to check your goals against the SMART model. To the right are some examples to get you started:

Specific
Is your goal well-defined? Avoid setting unclear or vague objectives; instead be as precise as possible.

Instead of: To do well in my exams
Make it specific: To increase study time to 30hrs per week and attend all scheduled revision sessions

Measurable
Be clear how will you recognise when you have achieved your goal. Using numbers, dates and times is one way to represent clear objectives.

Instead of: To get fit
Make it measurable: Swim 20 lengths, twice a week this term

Attainable
Setting yourself unfeasible goals will only end in disappointment. Make your goals challenging, but realistic.

Instead of: Give up smoking, drinking, sex and chocolate, all at once
Make it attainable: Only drink alcohol at weekends

Relevant
Try and step back and get an overview of all the different areas of your life: Academic, Personal and Career. Consider how relevant each objective is to the overall picture.

Time-bound
Set a time scale for completion of each goal. Even if you have to review this as you progress, it will help to keep you motivated.

Instead of: Sort out CV and research job market
Make it time-bound: Compile CV by end of Easter holidays, and set up interview with careers centre before end May