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Explore • Practice • Adjust

My Five Year Flexible Plan: Ages 12–18

Michael Cornwall, PsyD, PhD, LPC, LCSW

You do not have to decide your whole future

A plan can help you notice what matters to you and choose something useful to try. Over five years, your interests, school, friendships, family circumstances, and opportunities may change. An unexpected event can change what fits. You can make a step smaller, ask for support, pause, or choose a different direction.

This version is for ages 12–18. A five-year direction at 12 may look very different from one at 18. Near-term steps matter more than predicting your adult life. If you are 18, choose this version or the adult version according to what fits.

Getting to know yourself while growing

Erik Erikson’s theory describes adolescence as a time of exploring identity: interests, values, roles, and a sense of self. His wider theory also considers competence, independence, and relationships (American Psychological Association, n.d.). These ideas guide the answer choices here.

Exploration is allowed. You do not have to choose a career, define every part of yourself, have a romantic relationship, or match someone else’s timetable. The quiz does not score maturity or decide which developmental stage you are in. Ask a trusted adult for help understanding questions when useful.

People at different stages of life follow a path through a sunlit park.

Answer 46 multiple-choice questions across ten areas. Choose the closest answer. Areas marked “Not a current priority / does not apply” will not become suggested goals. The results offer up to three possible focuses, small first steps, and flexible future review points. Allow about 10–15 minutes.

Emotional intelligence (Ei) goals with Cornwall Counseling include naming emotions, checking assumptions, handling uncertainty, practicing self-acceptance, and communicating thoughtfully. Discuss appropriate goals and support with Dr. Cornwall. Outcomes vary and are not guaranteed.

This is a reflection exercise, not a validated test, diagnosis, or treatment plan. Answers are processed in this page and are not submitted to Cornwall Counseling. Answers are not saved after leaving or refreshing. Print or save the plan if you want to keep it, and choose where to keep or share it thoughtfully. A shared device may not be private. Choosing support does not arrange an appointment or determine consent or confidentiality arrangements.

0 of 46 questions answered.

Optional: my background and circumstances

Age, identity, culture, and lived experience may influence which opportunities or supports fit you. You decide what matters. You may skip every question and receive a complete plan. No demographic answer changes your score, ranks your maturity, or determines what you should want.

These details are not submitted to Cornwall Counseling. They remain in this page while it is open. Only include them in a printed or saved plan if you want to; consider who can access your device or saved copy.

Cultural considerations and requested accommodations will appear as planning context when selected. Leave any item blank if you do not want it included.

1. Interests, identity, and values

1. How important does this area feel to you now?
2. How do you feel about this area as it is?
3. Which direction would you most like to explore?
4. How ready do you feel to try a small step?

2. School, learning, and competence

5. How important does this area feel to you now?
6. How do you feel about this area as it is?
7. Which direction would you most like to explore?
8. How ready do you feel to try a small step?

3. Possible futures and work exploration

9. How important does this area feel to you now?
10. How do you feel about this area as it is?
11. Which direction would you most like to explore?
12. How ready do you feel to try a small step?

4. Friendships, belonging, and boundaries

13. How important does this area feel to you now?
14. How do you feel about this area as it is?
15. Which direction would you most like to explore?
16. How ready do you feel to try a small step?

5. Family, trusted adults, and independence

17. How important does this area feel to you now?
18. How do you feel about this area as it is?
19. Which direction would you most like to explore?
20. How ready do you feel to try a small step?

6. Everyday health, rest, and routines

21. How important does this area feel to you now?
22. How do you feel about this area as it is?
23. Which direction would you most like to explore?
24. How ready do you feel to try a small step?

7. Travel, local exploration, and new experiences

25. How important does this area feel to you now?
26. How do you feel about this area as it is?
27. Which direction would you most like to explore?
28. How ready do you feel to try a small step?

8. Leisure, play, and creativity

29. How important does this area feel to you now?
30. How do you feel about this area as it is?
31. Which direction would you most like to explore?
32. How ready do you feel to try a small step?

9. Practical skills, money awareness, and contribution

33. How important does this area feel to you now?
34. How do you feel about this area as it is?
35. Which direction would you most like to explore?
36. How ready do you feel to try a small step?

10. Emotional wellness with Cornwall Counseling (Ei)

37. How important does this area feel to you now?
38. How do you feel about this area as it is?
39. Which direction would you most like to explore?
40. How ready do you feel to try a small step?

My time, support, and preferences

41. How much time could you give all your goals together each week?
42. What would most likely make this difficult?
43. What kind of support would help most?
44. How many areas would you like to begin with?
45. What would you most like this plan to help with?
46. Which developmental theme feels most useful to explore now?

Developmental foundation

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial development. APA dictionary of psychology.

The quiz questions, planning categories, and scoring rules were created for this exercise. They are not an Erikson inventory or a validated measure of psychosocial development.

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