Specific
I want to do better in school.
How can you make this goal more specific? What could the student actually do?
Possible answer: I will write down my homework assignments in my planner before leaving each class.
I will read more often.
Add something you could count or track
Possible answer-
I will read for 15 minutes each day and check it off on my calendar.
I will get straight A’s in every class by next week
Adjust the goal so it is challenging but more realistic and within the student’s control.
Possible answer: “I will review my notes for 15 minutes on school nights and ask for help when I don’t understand something.”
I will put my phone away at 9:00 p.m.
Add a reason that connects this goal to something important to the student.
Possible answer: “I will put my phone away at 9:00 p.m. so I can get enough sleep and feel more focused at school.”
I will write down my homework assignments
Add when the student will do this.
possible- I will write down my homework assignments before leaving each class.
I want to be a better friend.
Add a specific way that you will achieve this goal?
Possible: I will put my phone away and give my friend my attention when we are talking.
I will practice basketball regularly
Add a way to measure whether the student is following through
Possible answer: “I will practice basketball for 20 minutes, three times each week, and record each practice.”
I will practice piano for two hours every single day, even on busy days.
Make the plan more realistic while keeping the goal meaningful.
Possible answer: “I will practice piano for 15 minutes on four days each week, with a shorter practice option on especially busy days.”
I will ask one classmate how their day is going each day.
Explain how this action could connect to a relationship vision.
Possible answer: “I will ask one classmate how their day is going each day because I want to become a friend who helps others feel noticed and included.”
I will practice my instrument for 15 minutes.
Add how often the student will practice.
Possible- I will practice my instrument for 15 minutes, four days each week.
I want to grow in my faith.
Make this goal specific by describing what the student is going to do to grow in your faith.
Possible: I will spend a 5 minutes each day praying or reading 3 pages from the bible.
I will be more helpful at home.
Add a measurable action to make the goal easier to track.
Possible answer: “I will complete one agreed-upon household chore each day and check it off on a list.”
I will never get frustrated with anyone again.
Change this goal so it focuses on a realistic behavior the student can work on.
Possible answer: “When I feel frustrated, I will pause and take three slow breaths before responding.”
I will spend five minutes in prayer before bed.
Add a reason that connects this action to the student’s faith vision.
Possible answer: “I will spend five minutes in prayer before bed because I want to make my relationship with God a more regular part of my everyday life.”
I will clean and organize my desk.
Add a deadline for completing this goal.
Possible answer: “I will clean and organize my desk by Sunday evening.”
I want to be more confident.
Add a specific action that could be a goal for this student to practice.
I will remember to turn in my assignments
Add a way to measure progress.
Possible answer: “At the end of each week, I will check my online gradebook and count how many assignments I turned in on time.”
“I will finish all my homework, do every chore, exercise for an hour, and read for an hour every night.”
Adjust the plan so it could fit into a busy student’s schedule.
Possible answer: “On school nights, I will choose my top homework priority, complete it before relaxing, and read for 10 minutes before bed.”
I will organize my backpack every school night
Add a reason that connects this goal to a school or self vision.
Possible answer: “I will organize my backpack every school night because I want to feel prepared and less stressed when I arrive at school.”
I will make an effort to include others at lunch.
Add a time frame or frequency that makes this goal easier to follow.
Possible answer: “For the next two weeks, I will look for one opportunity each school day to include someone in a conversation or activity at lunch.”