Goals can be categorized based on the time it takes to achieve them. Short term goals range from the present to one month. Mid-range goals are achieved from over one month to a year, and a long term goal is anything over a year. Creating a storyboard showing the progression of these goals might make reaching them seem more exciting and achievable, prompting students to take real life action.
In this activity, students will create visual representations of their different goals (short, mid, and long range). Understanding the importance of goal progression is an important learning objective. Usually, long term goals are the result of compounded short term goals. For example, a teacher’s goal to do well while student teaching is a prequel to a long term goal of landing a full-time position. Goal progression is important because it lowers the overwhelming stress of long term goals, while motivating the individual to continue to move forward.
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Student Instructions
Students will be making a visual of a short term goal, mid range goal, and a long term goal.
Tracking progress keeps students engaged and motivated as they work toward their goals. Visual reminders and regular check-ins can help students see how far they've come and what steps remain, making big goals feel manageable and achievable.
Use a bulletin board, whiteboard, or digital tool to create three columns labeled Short Term, Mid Range, and Long Term Goals. Have each student write their goals on sticky notes or cards and place them in the appropriate column. This makes progress visible and encourages accountability.
Dedicate a few minutes each week for students to review their goals, discuss progress, and update their goal cards. Frequent check-ins provide opportunities for reflection, celebration of small wins, and revising goals as needed.
When a student achieves a short or mid-range goal, acknowledge their success with class shout-outs, stickers, or certificates. Encourage students to set new goals or adjust existing ones so they stay motivated and challenged.
After reaching a goal, have students share what helped them succeed. Reflection builds self-awareness and helps students identify effective habits they can use for future goals.
Short term goals are objectives students aim to achieve within a month, while long term goals take more than a year to accomplish. Short term goals help build momentum and often lead to achieving long term goals.
Guide students to identify one goal for each time frame—short, mid, and long term. Use visuals or storyboards to map out these goals, helping students see goal progression and understand how small steps lead to bigger achievements.
Goal progression helps middle school students break down big objectives into manageable steps, reducing overwhelm and increasing motivation. It teaches them that consistent effort leads to long-term success.
Examples include a short term goal like completing a homework assignment this week, a mid-range goal such as improving grades this semester, and a long term goal like preparing for high school success.
Have students create a three-part visual: one for a short term goal, one for a mid-range goal, and one for a long term goal. They illustrate and describe each, making goal setting engaging and concrete.