I'm a Teenager. Why should I bother setting goals?



You should set goals because in doing so, you learn about yourself and what's really important to you, and you also get to see just what you're capable of, which is probably a lot more that you realize. When you set goals and subsequently reach them, you are encouraged to set more goals for yourself - higher goals. Your goals could be academic, sports-related, financial, college-related, or having to do with special interests such as music and art. You will find that you can achieve more by setting goals because you will have mapped out an effective plan for yourself.

OK, how do I start setting goals?



Start with what interests you and what really makes you feel good. Make sure you're thinking of what is important to you, not your friends at school or what the TV tells you. Is it getting good grades so that you can get into any college you choose? Is it being the best saxophone player in a band because you like music so much? Do want to get into a well-known fashion design school because you love designing and making clothes? This is where goal setting begins.

Goal Setting for Teens - Here are the Steps



You can think about what you love, and what you really want for yourself, and then write that down. Be specific I want to enter into XYZ School of Fashion Design upon high school graduation and earn a degree in Fashion Design. Remember that goals should be realistic. They should also challenge you a little, because without a challenge your goals are nothing more than something you have to do. With a challenge, once you accomplish that goal, you will really feel like you've done something big, and that's important. When you write your goals, word them in a positive way. If you want to make more friends, a good goal would be: My goal is to make three really good, fun and smart friends who share the same interests as me. Don't write: I am tired of having friends who are boring.

You can turn goals into smaller steps. This helps you to see how you are progressing toward your goal, so it's a good idea. Think about what needs to happen in order for you to go from the place you're at to the place you want to be and write your steps down. Create a sort of map with a time-line so you can see how you're doing. Again, be positive.

Remember to stay flexible. You will probably run into obstacles on your way. It happens to all of us. When you encounter an obstacle, figure out a way to get around or through it. This might take some time and creative thinking; you might need to ask a trusted adult for some advice (if you do, pick someone who knows your goals and supports them). If you have disappointments along the way, don't quit! It's all part of the process and you will learn from it. Keep on trying. If you find that your goals change with time, don't worry. Take what you have learned and apply it to new or adjusted goals.

Celebrate your achievements along the way, and when you reach your ultimate goal you'll be pleasantly surprised to see the positive outcomes that you've brought about with your newfound goal setting skills. More than that, you'll be empowered to set new and higher goals for yourself throughout your entire life. Go for it! Goal setting teenagers are ahead of the game.

A very useful tool for online goal setting is a website called Scallyroo.com . This free platform allows both parents and children to set goals and also allows both to track them until the goal is achieved. I highly recommend Scallyroo because it is easy for parents, and fun for kids. It makes goal-setting fun for the whole family. Plus it allows the parent to add an incentive (reward) to motivate their child to succeed.

This website is great for both the home and the classroom (for you teachers out there).

Check scallyroo out here .