Category: Goal Setting and Planning

Help Teens Set Goals, Build Confidence

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“I want to be a doctor… but I don’t think that will ever happen.”

That’s what I heard when I asked two teens what they dreamed of becoming. At first, they said “pediatricians!”—with excitement and a sense of purpose. But then came the doubt. “Kids like us don’t become doctors,” they shrugged. It was heartbreaking—but not unusual. We need to help teens set goals.

Why We Need to Help Teens Set Goals and See the Possibilities

Many teens have big dreams, but they don’t always have the tools or support to believe those dreams are possible. They may lack the guidance to break goals down into steps or simply haven’t had a chance to practice thinking about their future in a focused way. That’s where Master Your Mountain™ comes in.

An illustration of three children showing their dreams coming out of their heads. The picture represents how parents and teachers can help teens set goals and build confidence.

A Fun, Easy Goal-Setting Activity for Teens

A picture of the cover of the Master Your Mountain goal setting and planning resource at aws Studios.art TPT store. The resource helps parents and teachers help teens set goals and build confidence.

Master Your Mountain™ is a colorful, creative activity that helps middle and high schoolers identify their goals and begin making a realistic plan to reach them. Whether your teen or pre-teen wants to become a doctor, open a bakery, or just figure out their next steps after graduation, this activity makes the future feel doable—not daunting.

With just a few printable worksheets and a simple step-by-step process, your teen will:

  • Think about what they really want for their future
  • Identify what it will take to get there
  • Break that down into small, manageable steps

It’s like turning a foggy mountain into a clear hiking trail—one step at a time.

A Master Your Mountain™ Review

“My students loved using this resource. I used it as a class starter. My students had no trouble getting started with this assignment and were all very engaged. I was delighted with this resource and plan to reuse it.” Adrianne S. Used with 10th grade students. “Extremely satisfied.”      

Rating: 5 out of 5.

You Don’t Need to Be an Expert

Whether you’re homeschooling, parenting, or just want to support your teen in a meaningful way, Master Your Mountain™ is easy to use. It includes scripts to help guide conversations, and it can be completed in just a couple of sessions. Want to keep the momentum going? A monthly check-in or journaling session helps reinforce your teen’s progress and keeps them thinking about what’s next.

Help Your Teen Believe in What’s Possible

When teens begin to see that their goals are within reach, you’ll notice a shift—more confidence, more motivation, more engagement. It’s one of the most rewarding experiences as a parent.

Ready to help your teen start climbing?
Learn more and get your copy of Master Your Mountain™ [here].

This picture shows a teen rejoicing after climbing up a mountain. It is a metaphor for helping teens set goals and building confidence.

Master Your Mountain™ — Empower Student Success and Get Student Engagement with Goal Setting

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I Want to be a Doctor but I Don’t Think That Will Ever Happen!

One day, I asked two of my students who were buddies what they wanted to do when they were older. “Doctors — pediatricians,” they excitedly responded. They wanted to help little kids. But immediately after, they said they didn’t think it would happen. If kids don’t see a way, then we need to empower student success with goal setting…

Master Your Mountain™ For Student Success

Often young people haven’t had the opportunity to explore their future with guidance and information and opportunities to practice their goal setting and planning skills. That’s why I created Master Your Mountain™. It’s a fun activity that empowers middle school thru high school student success with goal setting.

Well Maybe I Can…

Master Your Mountain™ is an easy-to-use lesson plan for teachers, homeschoolers, or parents. The creative and colorful activity walks students through the process of planning for their future. First, students identify their dreams or goals. Then, the things they need to do to get there. In Master Your Mountain™, kids see how goals can be accomplished. By breaking down what seems overwhelming and impossible, they see the value of a step-by-step plan.

With Master Your Mountain™, you will see the lightbulbs go on and the wheels start turning! When the unattainable fog lifts, clear possibilities shine 1

A Great Classroom Management Tool

Master Your Mountain™ settles students into their own world and space. The resource also provides community building with peer to peer and group tasks. The activity can be accomplished in 1-3 classroom periods. All required materials are provided — just three fun worksheets— and scripts for teachers/parents, if needed.

Additionally, Master Your Mountain™ can be used in any classroom and with any subject.

This Won’t Work with my Students

And it won’t if you don’t follow up. But follow-up is easy. Once a month (though the more the better) check-in with your student or have them journal an update.

Boost your middle school, junior high, and high school students’ confidence and engagement with  Master Your Mountain™!
Click here to Find out more!

My Future Story Documentary, a fun and inspiring goal setting and planning activity

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A Favorite Goal Setting Activity

A picture of the My Future Story Documentary goal setting worksheet

One of my favorite mental health/social-emotional learning activities I developed is “My Future Story Documentary.” It teaches a goal setting and planning skill I wish I had learned when I was in grade school.

My Future Story

Back then, my future story was to sing, dance and act on stage. My mother pointed out New York City was probably the best place to pursue these goals but she didn’t think I should go. In her mind, NYC was a scary place and that was enough to stop me from moving forward with my idea.

In the “My Future Story Documentary” goal setting resource, one crucial step is for the “filmmaker” to identify their “Supporting Film Crew.” These are friends, family members, teachers, coaches, and clergy, etc. who support the maker’s future story, an important part for turning dreams into reality. And, like in my case, they may not always be a friend or a family member.

An aws Studios.art illustration of a adolescent ballerina - if only they had a goal setting activity like My Future Story.

Goal Setting and Support

My mother (whom I love dearly) may not have embraced my dream, but Marion, her best friend, did. Marion, who herself dreamed of performing and later became an award-winning ballroom dancer, noticed my talent. Though, I never shared my dancing and acting dreams with her. The “My Future Story Documentary” activity prompts students to identify supportive adults and share their dream with them.

It’s tough when immediate family are unable to be supportive. Nevertheless, there are many success stories where dreamers found support elsewhere.

Get the “My future story documentary” activity here!

Now as a picture book author/illustrator and mental health curricula supplier (with no regrets!), my supports are everywhere —family, friends, and colleagues — and it’s great!

What about you? What is your success story and who was your supportive “crew?”  

Give them a shout out in the “Comments” below!