Goals can help you decide what you want in life and can motivate you to do your best, but it takes some skill to set and prioritize goals.  When done properly, goal setting forces you to think about not only what you want to achieve, but how to achieve it. 

With summer coming to an end, setting goals for the school year can help students stay on track. You and your student can work together to set goals by checking out the tips below. 

• Let your student choose their goals. A new school year is a good time for students to explore new interests. Ask your student questions like, “What’s something you wish to achieve?” or, “Do you have any strengths you’d like to improve this year?” Discuss activities, events, grades, etc. throughout the school year to help students determine what they want to focus on. Listening to your child and providing support can make them feel valued and heard. 

• Discuss the purpose of each goal. When setting goals with your student, it’s important to understand why they matter. Ask them questions like, “Why do you want to achieve this goal?” or, “How can this help those around you?” Studies show that students are more successful when they understand their learning can help others. Discussing the purpose of a goal can also teach students the importance of kindness and critical thinking. 

• Break the goal into small steps. Studies show that some goals become too difficult to reach because students focus too much on the outcome rather than the process. Consider working with your student to create a plan. For example, make a goal ladder. Place the “big goal” at the top and work through the steps needed to achieve it.  

• Write them down.  Writing down goals and examining the steps needed to achieve them can help make the end picture clearer for your student. This provides a visual aid and a reminder when they feel stuck. For example, writing goals down on a piece of paper and placing it in an open space can help motivate students as they work to reach them. 

• Set rewards. For each goal you and your student set, consider having a reward that corresponds to it. For example, praise them when they meet certain benchmarks. This can help them stay motivated as they work actively to achieve their goals. This also helps them understand that the process is as equally important as the result. 

With motivation and support, you and the student in your life can aim to achieve goals for the upcoming school year with confidence and ease.