“I don’t focus on what I’m up against. I focus on my goals and I try to ignore the rest.” Venus Williams
Setting a few goals at the beginning of the school year or semester can greatly influence your success in high school and college. Goal setting is a life skill that if teens practice will positively affect their future endeavors as it is a skill that can be used throughout their life.
Ask yourself:
- What do you want to achieve? Why?
- How do you want to feel?
- What systems need to be in place for you to succeed?
- Who can you turn to for help?
Rather than using the word, goals I like to use the word, victory when working with students. The word, goals is completely overused. Victory is an achievement of mastery or success in a struggle or endeavor against odds or difficulties. (Merriam-Webster) I love this word because each quarter and/ or semester involves some kind of struggle(s) that students must overcome to be successful.
Use this outline and the questions above to help you create a few victories for this school year, quarter, and/ or semester.
Victory: Write in present tense! Ex. I am on the Dean’s list.
Why: Why is this victory important to you? How will you feel if it is accomplished?
Technique: What systems need to be in place or actions do you need to take to be victorious?
Mentor(s): Who can you ask for help and how can they help you?
No matter what obstacle you face keep your victories in the forefront of your mind. Victory is yours!
Learn more about achieving victory in the workbook, “Victory is Yours,” by Melanie Black. In this book students learn how to set goals, take action, and stay motivated. Students can visualize their dreams for the future and learn how to make their dreams a reality with this guide.
Melanie Black is an Associate Certified Academic Life Coach and mindfulness educator. She is passionate about helping others and learning all she can in the process. With over ten years of experience in the field of education, she is determined to help students succeed in school and life. “ One of my goals is to continue to be a humanitarian who helps our local community. I am passionate about my relentless pursuit of knowledge and desire to help others.“
