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Goal-Setting

Tips

Power Study Hour. Set a goal, 2 minutes (start here). Focused study, 30-50 minutes. Break time, 10-15 minutes. Review, 5 minutes.

4 Steps, 60 Minutes, 1 Goal!

Use the Power Study Hour, which outlines one of the best ways to study. The full study session is one hour, but is broken down like this:

Step 1: Set a goal (about 2 minutes)

  • Make your goal as specific and obtainable. The goal should have a clear beginning and end.
  • Choose a task that can be finished in 30-50 minutes. Estimating work time may take practice, start with easier/shorter goals and work your way up!
  • Examples: I am going to read 15 pages from Chapter 5. I am going to complete 3 problems from my math homework. I am going to create a citation for 6 sources.

Step 2: Focused study or work time (30-50 minutes)

  • Commit to a distraction free environment and work until you complete your goal OR you have worked for 50 minutes.
  • Think ahead to Step 3 (a break!) to help with distractions.

Step 3: Take a break (10-15 minutes)

  • Give your brain a break - get up from your study spot and move around, get a snack or a drink if needed, address any distractions that may have popped up during work time.
  • Pro tip: Set a 15 minute timer on your phone as a reminder to refocus.

Step 4: Review (about 5 minutes)

  • Refocus after break time, and take another look at the work you completed.
  • Reassess your goal, and determine what your next steps should be. Next steps could be continuing with the same goal, moving on to a new task, or switching up courses
  • Pro tip: Be honest when you reassess. It's okay to start a new session with the same goal!

Tools

Handouts

Please download & edit all handouts as you see fit! PDF formats may be more stylized (colors & images) while Word documents will be easier to edit or utilize accessibility tools.

Technology

Goals Video

Video from Oregon State University Academic Success Center: https://success.oregonstate.edu/learning-corner/time-management/goal-setting

The Art of Goal Setting

The Art of Goal Setting, Keiana Cave, TedxUofM

Page last modified July 17, 2026