How to Set Study Goals That Actually Work

Setting goals is one of the best ways to stay focused during study sessions, but not all goals are created equal. A vague goal like "study maths" often leads to wasted time and frustration. Clear, specific goals make all the difference.

A good study goal should answer two questions: What exactly am I trying to achieve? And how will I know when I've done it?
For example, instead of saying "study history," a stronger goal would be "summarise two pages of World War II notes" or "complete five practice questions on the causes of the Cold War."

Breaking goals into smaller, achievable tasks keeps motivation high and helps students measure progress. Every small win builds momentum, and before long, those small tasks add up to major results.