The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.
-Melody Beattie
The beginning of the new year is a great time to think about what you want to accomplish in the upcoming year. It’s exciting to look to the future and all of the opportunity it holds. Goal setting can be intimidating, though, especially for teens.
There’s a straight forward method to setting up goals that I like to teach to teens. It’s called the S.M.A.R.T. method.
S-Be Specific.
M-Make it Measurable.
A-It should be Actionable.
R-It should be Realistic.
T-It should be given a Time frame.
However, there is one very important part of goal setting that is forgotten in this method- the Y. When you set a goal for yourself, you need to know WHY you are setting that goal. What is it that motivates you to complete that goal? Without purpose, you lack drive and willpower. Your goals are simply a chore rather than something you get excited about.
So add the Y to your goals this year.
Y-Consider WHY this is on your list of goals.
One reason I like to teach this to teens is because they are inundated with a list of goals that they didn’t set for themselves. Many of the goals are unrealistic and often unattainable because of overscheduling- perfect grades, perfect SAT scores, acceptance into top colleges, all-star sports teams, volunteer hours just to name a few. Our teens think that they need to do everything and do it at a top level. This causes stress that wreaks havoc on the developing teen body. With a WHY behind goals, the body reacts less harshly.
Take some time with your tweens and teens and ask them what their goals are for the rest of the school year. Help them to go through the S.M.A.R.T.Y. method. Challenge them if you think the goals are unrealistic. And, most importantly, help them discover their Y.
Have a great new year!
With Heart,
Coach Sheri
P.S. If your teen needs help with their goals, private coaching might be a good fit. Contact me to find out more info.
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