How to Set and Achieve Goals for Teenagers
Teenagers are notorious for having big goals, yet many do not understand the proper way to approach those goals in order to bring them to fruition. Helping teenagers set and achieve goals is a life lesson that will become an important part of their lives. Making sure teenagers know how to stay focused on tasks and goals is one way to ensure their future is organized and attainable.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Sit down with the teenager and have an open and honest discussion about the things he wants, needs, desires and covets. Talk to the teen in terms that he understands. Avoid being preachy and avoid the use of large, clinical terms. Do not negate or dismiss any goals the teen has mentioned until you have had a chance to talk to him in greater detail. For example, if a teen tells you he does not want to go to college and he wants to be an artist, do not immediately respond by dismissing the idea too quickly. Allow the teen to give his side of the story and explain why this goal is important to him.
-
2
Have the teenager make a list in a notebook of the goals she wants to accomplish. Have the teen make both short- and long-term goals. Beside each goal noted on the list, help her determine if the goal is something she wants to achieve over the next six months, one year or five years. Make sure that you allow her to write down everything that she perceives to be a goal, regardless of what your personal opinion on the matter. For example, allow her to write down items such as growing longer hair, getting straight A's in school, learning to drive, getting into college and getting a part-time job.
-
-
3
Divide the master list into the three time frame categories. Write a single goal on a note card. Keep the goals organized by time frame. For example, put short-term goals, those noted as within a six months time frame, on white note cards. List each one-year goal on different color note cards, and list long-term goals on another color. Make sure that each note card contains only one goal.
-
4
Sit down with the teenager and go through each note card individually. Ask the teen what he thinks needs to happen in order to achieve the goal outlines on the card. Use the back of the card to make notes regarding steps that need to be taken to reach the goal. Repeat the process for every goal noted.
-
5
Review the steps necessary to achieve goals, and ask the teenager which steps she believes to be the most difficult. Help the teenager find ways to assist in achieving the goals she has set. For example, on a short-term note card that has a goal of achieving straight A's, the back of the card could have steps that include studying every night, using a tutor and watching less television. Ask the teenager what steps seem the most difficult. Talk with the teen to find ways to help make the steps necessary easier to handle. For example, if watching less television poses a problem, offer a suggestion of removing the television from the teenager's room until the goal has been achieved.
-
6
Continue to talk to the teenager on a weekly basis to track progress toward goals and to see if the teen has changed his mind in terms of goals that he has set for himself. Make sure to ask the teen regarding any goals he has chosen to abandon and ask about the reasons why.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Know that teenagers change goals and wants regularly, do not get frustrated when a pressing issue with a teenager is not as deemed as important a few weeks down the road.
Do not dismiss or belittle a teenager that seeks your help in setting and achieving goals; be supportive.
References
- Photo Credit teenager image by Alta.C from Fotolia.com
