How to help your student set and clarify goals, both long-term and short-term

As your student advances through their college career, they are transitioning from childhood to adulthood and beginning to make decisions that will shape their future. Setting and clarifying goals is an essential part of this process to ensure their future success and fulfillment in both personal and professional settings. Here are five tips to help your student set and clarify their goals.

Encourage Self-Reflection

Your student must first reflect on their strengths and weaknesses before setting any short- or long-term goals. Encourage your student to take some time to reflect on what they enjoy, what they are good at, and what they want to improve. This self-reflection will help them set achievable and meaningful goals.

Set SMART Goals

The next step is to have a discussion with your student about SMART goals. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Your student will be more likely to reach a SMART goal with distinct objectives than one that is more abstract.

Provide Support

Once your student has set their goals, provide them with the support they need to achieve them. This could include helping them acquire essential supplies and resources. It will also necessarily include your emotional support and encouragement. Listen to their concerns and encourage them to keep going even when things become difficult. Above all, tell them how proud of them you are.

Celebrate With Your Student

As your student achieves the goals they set, take the time to celebrate their accomplishments. This could be as simple as a phone call telling them how proud you are, or as intricate as taking them out to a celebratory dinner with your family. Take the time to make them feel special because they are special.

Be Flexible

As your student evaluates their life and goals, they may develop different interests and objectives along the way. Be open to having discussions with your student about the possibilities that are open to them. Continue supporting and encouraging them, and remember that they are trying to develop a life that is meaningful to them.