Students of all ages can set goals at any time of the year; however, it is very important for middle school and high school students to begin setting specific goals. Students at these ages have many outside influences including peers, social media, and pop culture, so it is important for them to create paths to help them stay focused and achieve their goals. 

From eating healthier, making the soccer team, to receiving an A in biology, students want to succeed. However, many don’t have any idea about how to begin. Although it might be easier to set a goal at the beginning of the semester or the start of a new year, goals can begin at any time. The first step is to decide on one or two long term goals. A long-term goal can last for several months, and it takes small incremental steps to achieve the goal. Focusing on just a couple of goals will help students prioritize and make progress. 

Since motivation is key to staying on track, the student must create the goal and want the result. Of course, parents and teachers can provide ideas and input when deciding on which goals to set, and they can help students create goals that are reasonable and possible. Yet, students must desire the outcome for it to be meaningful and motivational. 

Students can begin by setting a long-term goal and then making a plan on how to best achieve it. For example, if the student wants to make the soccer team, he must begin his plan several months before tryouts. If tryouts are in April, he should create a plan at least six months prior to tryouts. The plan should be written down with small steps that can be accomplished along the way. As the plan is being created, it is important to gain advice from experts. For the soccer team goal, it would be beneficial to speak with the coach or one of the current players on the team. These experts can help create the incremental steps that will assist the student in achieving this goal.

When the plan begins, it is important to track the steps being taken. Keeping track of the various steps will hold the student accountable for working towards the goal. Maybe the goal to make the soccer team requires running a specified number of miles each week. It may also include a weightlifting program as well as practice with the soccer ball. These requirements should be written down and marked complete as the student works towards each task. Completing these incremental steps shows progress so the student is more motivated to continue on the path to achieving the long- term goal. 

Short term goals are also important for students to create. These goals help to create small victories along the way. They can be part of the long-term goal or completely separate. For the soccer team goal, the student may begin with running five miles each week but sets a short-term goal to increase it to ten miles each week. The first time he runs ten miles is cause for a celebration. The small victories help with motivation, so create small rewards to help with focus. 

Another short-term goal may be to receive an A on an upcoming test. This goal requires a plan of taking notes, completing homework, studying several days before the test, and participating in a study group. This goal may last only a couple of weeks, but if all steps are completed, the result should be a high grade on the test. If the goal is not achieved, then the student should review his study plan and reflect on where changes could be made for future tests. 

Often when students set goals, create a plan, keep track of the plan, they find the accomplishment very motivating and inspiring. This sense of self-satisfaction leads to more goals and more achievements. The student who wants to make the soccer team begins to improve his eating and sleeping habits. He begins to make positive changes in all aspects of life. This confidence and self-efficacy will carry him through the rest of his life where he feels he can accomplish anything.