Need some help figuring out how to set high school goals that will get you results? I’ll walk you through 6 simple steps.
In high school, setting goals is essential. It keeps you engaged and laser-focused on your reward… whatever that may be for you.
You could set high school goals such as achieving a specific grade, GPA, joining a team, or finding a job! The sky truly is the limit!!
Setting high school goals fits in wonderfully with my previous post about the significance of career planning.
I’m very excited to talk about this because I have no doubt in my mind that if executed the right way and you remain consistent, you will reach your high school goals.
Alrighty, are you ready?!
This post is all about high school goals.
Setting High School Goals:
Before we begin, please grab a pen or pencil and a notebook or piece of paper. I want you to go through this process with me step by step.
And, so you don’t get lost, I’ll provide an example for each step so you can follow along!
Let’s get started!
Step One: Write Down A S.M.A.R.T. Goal
S.M.A.R.T. goals give you that amazing opportunity and guidance to write goals that are specific, measurable, and meaningful. Having that clarity in your high school goals provides the drive and focus required for success.
S – Specific
What exactly do you want to achieve? Why is the goal important?
Whatever your goal is, you should be very specific when writing it down.
Example: “I want to finish this semester with all A’s.” or “I want to make sure the varsity swim team.”
M – Measurable
How much? How many? How will you measure your success?
Example: “I can measure my success by keeping track of my good grades on my class assignments and tests.” or “I can measure my success by timing my laps each time to increase my speed.”
A – Attainable
Is it something you actually can do? How realistic is your goal?
You want to make sure that the goal you establish for yourself is both challenging and achievable.
Example: I am a certified professional school counselor so I wouldn’t say that I want to be a family doctor within a year.
R – Relevant
Does this goal reflect your values? Is it worthwhile?
Make sure your high school goals are in line with your values. The way you respond to this question will reveal a lot about you which is great. If you don’t think it’s worthwhile, it’s time to reconsider the exact goal you set for yourself.
Do not feel bad if, when answering these questions, you realize that your goal does not align with your values or is not worthwhile. It’s amazing to realize this ahead of time.
T – Timeframe
What is the deadline that you set for yourself to accomplish this goal?
The deadline you set for yourself might be anything based on your specific goal; just make sure it is a reasonable deadline.
Example: “It is August so I want to get all A’s for first semester grades so I have until December to achieve my goal.”
Step Two: List Steps Necessary To Reach Your Goal
You’ve finished the first step! Yay! Now that you’ve completed that step, you officially have a goal.
I’m so happy for you!!! That is a huge deal.
For this step, I want you to write down the steps you would need to take in order to achieve the goal you set for yourself in step one.
Example: In order to get all A’s in semester one, I’ll need to…
- attend school every day
- stop skipping classes
- submit my assignments and strive for an A
- study for tests and strive for an A
- complete any extra credit assignments assigned by my teachers.
A useful tip and strategy for being organized is to make a to-do list and use a physical planner.
{RELATED POST: 13 Life-Changing High School Survival Tips Every High School Student Should Know}
Step Three: Get Help & Support
Who will help you?
Example: “a teacher and a tutor”
Who will support you?
Example: “family and my school counselor”
What items will help you?
Example: “a physical planner”
Don’t be scared to ask for help, especially if it will determine whether or not you reach your goal. In my high school survival post, I discussed numerous ways to contact your teacher if you are shy or need some guidance on how to go about it.
You can find that post here.
Step Four: Identify & Overcome Obstacles
What obstacles could get in the way of achieving your goals?
Example: “I always wait until the last minute to do my assignments and then I would barely get the answers right.”
What are your distractions?
Example: “My cellphone is so distracting.”
Who may get in your way of reaching your goal?
Example: “A certain friend in my classes because she encourages me to talk instead of doing my work.”
Procrastination, phones, social media, YouTube, video games, conversations with friends, and so on are examples of obstacles or distractions. Trust me, I am far from perfect, so I completely understand that this may be a challenge for you, but to reach your goal, you must overcome the obstacles that are holding you back.
I’m confident you can do it! All you have to do is start trying. 😊
Step Five: Track Your Progress
How will you know that you are on track to achieving your goal by the deadline?
Example: “I will keep a log.”
Measuring your progress allows you to see how far you’ve come and how so close you are to accomplishing your goal. Seeing the progress you’ve made through your journey to achieve the goal is so motivating. It will excite you to do more and more.
Tracking your progress also allows you to check and see if no or very little progress is being made, which may force you to reconsider your strategy for achieving your high school goals.
Ways to keep track of your progress for your high school goals:
- Journaling
- Microsoft Excel
- Google sheets
- A calendar
- To-do list
- Apps
- Video diaries
Step Six: Reward Yourself
Celebrate your success! You really deserve to treat yourself after all of your hard work to reach your goal. This is not easy work, so reward yourself by doing something you enjoy!
Wonderful post! I’ll be sharing this with my students and their parents.
Thank you so much! I am so happy you enjoyed the post.