The SMART and PATHS approach to academic goal setting and action planning

Last week, I met with a brilliant PhD student who was visibly frustrated that day. "Professor Olivier," she sighed, "I understand my research topic inside and out. I've read all the literature. I've collected mountains of data. But I'm just not making progress toward completion."

Her predicament wasn't unusual. In my 17+ years supervising postgraduate research, I've witnessed this scenario countless times: exceptionally capable researchers who, despite their intelligence and subject expertise, struggle to convert their ambitions into tangible outcomes.

The missing element isn't knowledge; it's a structured goal setting and action planning framework.

The transformative power of proper goal setting in academic contexts cannot be overstated. And keeping those goals “in your head” is not enough. One research paper published in the journal Motivation Science states that goal effects are enhanced if people “write at length about them.”

Effective research isn't just about what you know but how you plan to apply that knowledge through concrete, achievable goals. In this blog post, I'll share the powerful combination of two frameworks that can help you transform your research ambitions into published papers, completed theses, and successful funding applications. We won’t be talking about creating objectives for your research project itself but about creating objectives to complete your research project.

The foundation: Why researchers struggle with goal setting

Before diving into methodologies, let's understand why goal setting presents unique challenges in academic environments:

The expansive nature of research

Research, by definition, explores the unknown. This open-ended quality makes it fundamentally different from other professional endeavours. As one of my doctoral students eloquently put it, "It feels like trying to build a path while simultaneously determining where the path should lead."

The perfectionism trap

Many brilliant academic minds are their own worst critics. Perfectionism often manifests as a reluctance to commit to specific outcomes, fearing they might fall short of excellence. Also referred to as "academic paralysis by analysis"—the tendency to keep exploring options rather than committing to action.

The challenge of measuring progress

Unlike many professions with clear metrics of success, research progress can be nebulous. Is reading ten more papers progress? Sometimes. Is rerunning an analysis for the fifth time progress? Perhaps. This ambiguity makes traditional goal-setting advice insufficient for our context.

The isolation factor

Research work, particularly at postgraduate level, can be isolating. Without regular external accountability, goal setting becomes an entirely self-regulated process, making it easier to shift deadlines or redefine targets without consequence.

These challenges demand a specialised approach to goal setting—one that acknowledges the unique characteristics of academic research while providing sufficient structure to facilitate progress.

What type of goal to set? Learning vs performance goals

Figuring out what type of goal to set is a brilliant starting point. Here, a paper by Locke and Latham (2019) has us covered:

When a task exceeds an individual's knowledge or ability, assigning learning goals leads to higher performance than assigning performance goals.  This is because people under time pressure to reach a high-performance goal tend to fail to explore alternative strategies.  In these circumstances, it is best to assign specific, challenging learning goals, with self-efficacy and strategy mediating the effects of the learning goal.  Learning goals are particularly effective when individuals receive negative feedback on a task perceived as highly complex.

Performance goals are most effective when individuals possess sufficient knowledge or ability to achieve them.  The most effective performance goals are specific and challenging.  Goal specificity alone does not guarantee high performance, as a goal can be specific yet easy to attain.  In fact, specific goals only affect the variance in performance to the degree that performance is controllable.

The authors also state that learning and performance goals can be assigned together, but only if the cognitive load is not too high. Something to consider!

The SMART framework: Bringing clarity to research ambitions

The SMART framework provides the foundation for effective research goal setting. While you may have encountered this framework before, its application in research contexts requires specific considerations. It is important to ensure that your goals align with your research questions and/or your research vision. Read more about your research vision statement here. Pursuing goals that do not align with the bigger picture may lead you where you don’t want to be.

SMART goals are:

S - Specific: Defining the exact research output

Vague aspirations like "work on my methodology chapter" or "make progress on data analysis" are the enemies of research productivity. Specificity requires answering the classic journalistic questions:

• What precisely will you accomplish?
• Which specific elements of your research does this goal address?
• What tangible output will result from achieving this goal?

For example:

• Vague goal: "Make progress on my literature review."
• SMART goal: "Complete structured analysis notes for 15 key papers on cognitive rehabilitation interventions, identifying methodological approaches, main findings, and research gaps."

M - Measurable: Quantifying research progress

Academic work often resists simple metrics, but effective research goals must include clear criteria for achievement. Ask yourself:

• How will I know when this goal is achieved?
• What specific metrics will indicate completion?
• Can progress be tracked objectively?

For example:

• Vague measurement: "Advance my understanding of statistical methods."
• SMART measurement: "Complete analysis of three datasets using the new multilevel modelling approach with documentation of process, challenges, and results."

A - Achievable: Setting research goals within reach

Ambition drives research forward, but unrealistic goals lead to demotivation. Research found that goal setting increases workers' performance relative to a control group without goals, showing the motivational benefits of goal setting. They also show that goal setting is most effective when individuals achieve their goals, suggesting that early success can enhance future motivation and performance. This implies that appropriately challenging but attainable goals, especially early on, are important for maximising the motivational benefits of goal setting.

One of my most successful PhD supervisees adopted what she called the "75% rule"—setting goals she was 75% confident she could achieve. This approach balances stretch with realism.

Consider:

• Do you have the necessary skills and resources for this goal?
• Is the scope appropriate for your current research phase?
• Have you accounted for common research obstacles in your timeline?

For example:

• Unrealistic goal: "Complete full draft of findings chapter this week" (alongside teaching and other commitments).
• Achievable goal: "Complete draft of the first findings section (quantitative results) with preliminary tables this week."

R - Relevant: Aligning with your research vision

Every research goal should directly connect to your overarching research questions or thesis aims. This relevance check prevents the common research phenomenon of "interesting side journeys" that, while intellectually stimulating, don't advance your core work.

Ask yourself:

• How does this goal connect to my primary research questions?
• Will achieving this goal move my overall research forward significantly?
• Is this the most important goal I could be working on right now?

For example:

• Tangential goal: "Read five new papers on an emerging method I might consider using."
• Relevant goal: "Finalise the methodological approach by evaluating the three previously identified methods against my research questions and data availability."

T - Time-bound: Creating research momentum through deadlines

Without deadlines, research can expand indefinitely. Effective research goals include specific timeframes that create urgency while remaining realistic.

Consider:

• What is a challenging but achievable deadline for this goal?
• Have you accounted for other academic commitments in this timeframe?
• Does this deadline align with broader research milestones?

For example:

• Open-ended goal: "Conduct interviews with healthcare professionals."
• Time-bound goal: "Complete 12 interviews with physiotherapists by 15 March, with all recordings transcribed by 30 March."

The PATHS framework: Moving from planning to action

While SMART goals clarify what you want to achieve, the PATHS framework addresses how you'll achieve it. This framework, which I've refined through work with dozens of researchers, transforms goals into actionable implementation plans. Once you formulated your SMART goals, it’s time to set your PATHS.

P - Plan specific action steps

Research goals typically require multiple steps. Breaking your SMART goal into a sequence of concrete actions prevents overwhelm and creates clear starting points. Also, remember to prioritise tasks based on importance and dependencies.

Effective action planning for researchers includes:

• Identifying sequential actions for each SMART goal
• Making each action concrete and completable in a single session
• Specifying the very first physical action required

Research application:

When one of my MSc students set a SMART goal to "Complete data collection from 50 participants using the validated assessment protocol by 30 April," his action steps included:

1. Finalise participant information sheet and consent form
2. Submit ethics amendment for revised protocol
3. Create participant recruitment schedule with specific channels
4. Prepare and test data collection equipment
5. Set up digital data management system
6. Schedule first 10 participant sessions
7. Conduct pilot collection with five participants

This approach transformed an intimidating goal into a series of manageable tasks, each with a clear starting point.

A - Assign realistic timelines

Research timelines are notoriously difficult to estimate accurately. The PATHS framework addresses this challenge through:

• Estimating realistic duration for each action step
• Creating a visual timeline with specific dates
• Identifying potential bottlenecks and building in buffer time
• Converting these estimates into calendar appointments

Practical tip:

Research consistently shows that we underestimate how long tasks will take. I recommend using the "multiply by pi" rule - take your initial estimate and multiply by 3.14. While seemingly arbitrary, this has proven remarkably accurate for academic timelines in my experience.

T - Tackle knowledge gaps and required resources

Research often requires developing new skills or acquiring specific resources. The PATHS framework makes these requirements explicit:

• For each action step, identify the required:
• Skills or knowledge
• Tools or resources
• Support or collaboration
• Create specific plans to address gaps

Research application:

A doctoral candidate I supervised needed to use a specialised analysis technique for her research. Rather than simply adding "learn statistical technique" to her task list, her PATHS approach included:

• Identify and read three key textbook chapters covering the technique
• Schedule meeting with statistics advisor
• Find and work through two online tutorials
• Analyse a practice dataset before applying to research data
• Schedule follow-up review of analysis with supervisor

H - Harness implementation techniques

This element focuses on the psychological aspects of goal achievement, addressing common research obstacles:

• Implementation intentions ("If-then" planning)
• Accountability mechanisms
• Motivation maintenance strategies
• Focus management techniques

Example techniques:

• Implementation intention: "If I find myself procrastinating on data analysis, then I will break down the next step into a 30-minute focused task."
• Accountability: Weekly progress sharing with supervisor or peer group
• Motivation: Connecting daily tasks to ultimate research impact and vision statement
• Focus: Establishing dedicated "deep work" blocks for complex research tasks

S - Set success metrics and monitoring approach

The final component establishes how you'll track progress toward your research goals:

• Establish specific progress indicators
• Create tracking mechanisms
• Set checkpoint dates for review
• Develop contingency plans for common obstacles

Research application:

For a literature review goal, appropriate metrics might include:

• Number of papers processed per week
• Summary table of key findings compiled
• Draft sections completed

Integrating SMART and PATHS: A comprehensive research goal setting and action planning system

True power emerges when these frameworks are combined into a cohesive system. Here's how:

Step 1: Quarterly vision setting

Begin with the big picture—what are the major research objectives for the next three months? These typically align with significant research phases (literature review, methodology development, data collection, analysis, chapter drafting).

Step 2: Monthly SMART goal development

Break your quarterly objectives into monthly SMART goals. Three to five goals per month provides sufficient focus while acknowledging the multifaceted nature of research. The number of goals will depend on their size, so adapt as you see fit.

Step 3: Weekly PATHS implementation planning

Each week, select 1-2 SMART goals for focused implementation and develop detailed PATHS plans. This weekly planning allows adjustment based on emerging research developments.

Step 4: Daily research action alignment

Begin each day by identifying the specific research actions that support your weekly PATHS plan. End each day with a brief review of progress.

Step 5: Regular review and adjustment

Conduct weekly and monthly reviews to assess progress, identify obstacles, and adjust plans accordingly.

Common challenges and solutions

Challenge: Research uncertainty

Research inherently involves uncertainty—methods might not work, participants might be difficult to recruit, and analyses might yield unexpected results.

Solution:

Apply the "uncertainty buffer" by:

• Creating contingency plans for high-risk elements
• Building additional time into estimates
• Using ranged goals that accommodate uncertainty

For example:

Rather than "Recruit 50 participants by March," frame as "Recruit 40-60 participants by March, with minimum viable sample of 40."

Challenge: Competing priorities

Academic researchers typically juggle multiple responsibilities beyond their core research such as teaching, clinical work, administrative duties, or family commitments.

Solution:

• Explicitly acknowledge all commitments
• Allocates protected research time blocks
• Identifies "minimum viable progress" for challenging periods
• Uses implementation intentions to maintain research momentum during busy times

Challenge: Perfectionism and scope creep

The pursuit of academic excellence can lead to endless refinement and expansion of research scope.

Solution:

• Defining "good enough" standards for different research phases
• Creating explicit scope boundaries using the MoSCoW method
• Using the "three drafts" approach (structure, content, refinement)
• Scheduling specific "improvement phases" rather than continuously refining

The transformative impact: Real research results

Let me share a case study that demonstrates the power of this approach.

Sarah, the PhD student, had spent two years collecting data but struggled to make progress on analysis and writing. Her research on rehabilitation outcomes was methodologically sound, but her approach to goal setting was vague and reactive.

After implementing the SMART+PATHS methodology:

• Month 1: Completed analysis of primary outcome measures (previously stalled for 3 months)
• Month 3: Submitted first manuscript to high-impact journal (accepted with minor revisions)
• Month 6: Presented findings at international conference
• Month 9: Completed thesis draft (6 months ahead of previous projection)

More importantly, Sarah reported a significant reduction in research anxiety and improved work-life balance. "The difference," she confidently stated, "wasn't working harder—it was working with direction and purpose."

Frequently asked questions

How many SMART goals should a researcher work on simultaneously?

The answer here is “it depends.” I’d say as many as you can handle but as few as possible to reduce complexity. This will ensure that you make progress on the ones within your radar, and enjoy that sense of achievement.

How detailed should PATHS plans be?

Your PATHS implementation plans should be detailed enough that each action is concrete and actionable without further explanation. The test I suggest: Could someone else with subject knowledge understand exactly what needs to be done based on your action step?

How can I maintain this system when unexpected research challenges arise?

The key is regular review and adjustment. Schedule weekly reviews to assess progress and adjust plans. This isn't about rigid adherence to initial plans but rather about intentional adaptation.

Does this approach work for collaborative research projects?

Absolutely! In fact, SMART+PATHS is particularly valuable for research teams by creating shared language and expectations. I recommend collaborative goal-setting sessions at project initiation, with clear ownership assigned for each action step.

What if my supervisor doesn't support structured goal setting approaches?

Focus on results rather than methodology in your supervisor interactions. I've found that even initially sceptical supervisors become supportive when they see improved output quality and consistency. Share specific completed components (like your SMART goals) without necessarily explaining the entire system.

Conclusion

Implementing structured goal setting through the SMART+PATHS methodology isn't simply about productivity—it fundamentally transforms the research experience and leads to superb impact. As researchers, our work matters. Our discoveries and innovations contribute to human knowledge and can improve lives. Effective goal setting ensures that our intellectual efforts translate into meaningful contributions.

Remember the frustrated PhD student from my introduction? Six months after implementing this approach, she had not only completed her analysis but also submitted her first manuscript and was confidently progressing toward completion. "The difference," she told me, "wasn't working harder—it was working with direction and purpose."

I encourage you to begin implementing these frameworks today. Start small—perhaps with a single research goal for the coming week—and experience the clarity and momentum that structured goal setting provides. Your research deserves this intentional approach.

I'd love to hear about your experiences implementing SMART+PATHS in your research. What challenges have you encountered? Which elements have made the biggest difference? Share your experience in the comments below.

Looking for some extra support on your research journey? Check out the Research Masterminds Success Academy - an online hub where you can develop skills, stay motivated, and still have time to enjoy life beyond your research! 

Check it out!

Thank you for the cover photo by Andrea Piacquadio.