Every school year brings surprises, so teens can’t plan ahead for every event. However, setting 3-5 foundational goals each school year can make a difference in its success. Examples of goals that my own teens and teen clients have set include:
- Maintain a _____ GPA
- Meet with a teacher after school each week
- Increase volunteer hours at _________________ by 1 hour per week
- Start a ___________ club at my community center
- Complete art portfolio with __ drawings by end of semester
WHY GOALS?
Setting goals during high school can help a teen in numerous ways even beyond college . . . for life success:
- Have a Purpose – Goals gives teens something to work for – a sense of purpose and direction. One of the first questions I ask my teen clients is “Why do you want to go to college?” If a teen can articulate why they want to go, then it makes it easier to help them find the best fit as well as have a reason to continue being their best.
- Stay Motivated – Goals give teens that extra boost to keep going, especially if they start to waiver.
- Believe in Yourself – Goals give teens the inspiration to aim for something that they may not have thought possible.
- Be Accountable – Goals remind teens at the end of the semester or school year of what they have accomplished or NOT.
- Get help – Goals give teens a way to be more specific when they ask for help. The best help comes when others know how to help
START NOW
The question for every college-bound teen – What are your goals for this semester? School year?
Responding to this question is the first step towards a successful school year. Please share your high school year and goals.