Use the information you’ve gathered to create a SMART goal, making sure to use the SMART goal checklist.

SAMPLE: I’ll use the Cornell system to take notes for the next two weeks.

Outline the specific steps you’ll take to achieve your SMART goal, and note when you’ll complete each step.

SAMPLE: By Wednesday, I’ll format twenty pages of notes using the Cornell system. I’ll use these pages to take notes in class for the next two weeks.

Think about possible barriers to your action steps; then brainstorm solutions for overcoming them.

SAMPLE: If I have any trouble getting used to the Cornell system, I’ll remind myself that it takes practice to get comfortable with a new note-taking method.

Now that your plan is in place, take action. Record each action step as you take it. Then evaluate whether you achieved your SMART goal, and make any adjustments needed to get better results in the future.

SAMPLE: I used different formats (outlines, paragraphs, bullet points) to record information on my Cornell pages. That ended up being confusing, so I’ll use a more consistent format from now on.

List the skills you’re building as you progress toward your SMART goal. How will you use these skills to land a job and succeed at work?

SAMPLE: I want to become a nurse practitioner, so I’ll need to collect information from patients about their health concerns and present it in reports to health care providers. Using the Cornell system will help me do that effectively.