College students who have goals do better than those who do not. Before you can identify specific goals, however, it is important to think about your life's dreams and visions. World-class mountain climber Eric Weihenmayer explains it this way: "A goal is very linear and tangible, but a vision is sort of just how we see ourselves living our lives, or how we see ourselves serving the world. I think it is somehow deeper than a goal. It's the way you want to live your life."

Do you know how you want to live your life? Take some time to think about it. Imagine you have just accomplished your greatest dream as a student. Write about it, draw pictures, talk with others...whatever makes it real for you. How do your long-term and short-term goals lead to achieving your greatest dreams? How does college fit into this vision?

Keeping connected with your dreams and visions will help you maintain your motivation--even when the going gets rough. It helps you focus on creating solutions and taking actions towards overcoming whatever obstacles stand in your way.

The Wise Choice Process -In the face of any challenge, you can make a responsible decision by answering the six questions in the Wise Choice Process.