A product is an outcome, an end result. When we think about what we want for our futures, we're thinking about product goals. Here are a few examples of product goals:
Earn at least a B in every class this quarter
Make the junior varsity softball team this spring
Run a 7-minute mile by the end of the school year
Earn a solo in the spring concert
In general, you don't have complete control over product goals; they're a result of hard work that you eventually achieve.
A process goal is a goal that you do have control over; it's a behavior that you want to perform regularly, usually to achieve an end result. Often, people set process goals in order to reach their product goals.
If your product goal is to earn at least a B in every class this quarter, you might have these process goals:
Write all my homework in my agenda.
Work on homework from 3:30-5:00 Monday through Thursday.
Stay after school for math at least once a month.
If your product goal is to run a 7-minute mile by the end of the school year, you might have these process goals:
Run at least 4 days per week
Do speed work on a track at least once a week
Both product and process goals should follow the acronym SMART, meaning that they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
"I will learn how to knit a winter hat" is better than "I will get better at knitting."
"I will go to bed by 11 pm at least 3 nights a week" is better than “I will go to bed earlier.”
"I will work on homework from 4 to 5 pm at least 3 days a week" is better than "I will do my homework."
"I will run at least twice a week" is better than "I will run more often."
For most students, "I will earn at least a B in all my classes" is better than "I will earn an A in all my classes."
Your goals should be relevant to what matters to you. Academic goals should help you be more academically successful. Your personal goals can be important to you for any reason: happiness; mental or physical health; personal values; etc.
Your goals should have a realistic timeframe; it's easier to work toward goals you can achieve in the near future.
"I will join at least one club and go to at least 3/4 of the meetings this year" is better than "I will play in the NFL someday."