Teens are constantly challenged in making decisions. (Should they try out for a team? Join a club? See friends? Do homework?) We want them to make the best choice every time, because even little decisions may have unforeseen consequences. Developmentally speaking, children are not naturally thinking about the future, instead living in the moment. Setting goals is a great way to help them stay on track and think about the BIG picture. In this activity, students will visualize where they want to be in five years and ten years. This will provide them with big picture milestones that they can work toward while creating their ideal self!
For additional activities to further this exercise, check out our goal setting lesson plan.
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Student Instructions
Show your ideal self at two different times in your future life by creating a three-cell storyboard.
Begin by discussing what short-term goals are and how they help achieve long-term dreams. Explain that goals should be specific, measurable, and achievable so students can track their progress and feel motivated.
Encourage students to share examples of short-term goals in academics, hobbies, or friendships. List their ideas on the board to inspire everyone and help students realize they are not alone in their aspirations.
Ask students to write a specific goal they want to achieve in the next month. Guide them to use clear language, such as "I will read 3 books" or "I will join a new club." This builds ownership and clarity.
Support students as they break their goals into 2–3 actionable steps. For example, if the goal is to improve a grade, steps could include setting aside study time and asking for help when needed.
Set aside a few minutes each week for students to share updates or challenges. Celebrate small wins as a class to boost motivation and reinforce the value of goal setting.
A goal setting activity for grades 6-12 helps students visualize their future by creating a storyboard showing their present self, and who they want to become in five and ten years. This encourages long-term thinking and decision-making skills.
To teach students to set personal goals, guide them through visualizing their ideal future selves and identifying key decisions that will help them reach those goals. Activities like storyboarding their present and future selves make goal setting concrete and motivating.
Goal setting is important for teens because it helps them look beyond immediate choices, develop future-oriented thinking, and make decisions that align with their long-term aspirations. This builds self-esteem and responsibility.
Easy goal setting lesson ideas include having students create storyboards of their present and future selves, writing vision statements, or reflecting on decisions that impact their long-term goals. These activities are quick, engaging, and adaptable for different grade levels.
Visualizing the future encourages students to see their potential and plan steps toward personal growth. By imagining success, they build confidence and motivation, which strengthens self-esteem.