Goal Setting For Teens - Is It Cool?
Goal setting for teens can be cool if it encompasses ways for them to contribute, fosters their growing independence and builds self-esteem - in a nonjudgmental and encouraging manner. Anyway, why should adults have all the fun with personal development!
This article describes how these characteristics can be positive reinforcers for the teen who is interested in, but as yet unsure of, committing to goal setting as a process.
One of the realities that parents, teachers and other authority figures have to deal with is that teen role models in the media are sometimes, at least in our opinions, less than ideal! There is a perspective shift required here in order to see glimpses of what makes the seemingly outrageous behavior of teen celebrities so popular amongst their fans.
Without necessarily condoning their lifestyles and actions, it can be helpful to take an interest in what your teen is impressed with in his or her heroes. Because there are some aspects of what these celebrities have or believe in, that teens also wants for themselves.
This can lead to some interesting and informal conversations about the possible values, aspirations and talents your teen believes are driving their own behavior and expectations. Be open to moments like this where your teen can share what it is that they like or admire in their various role models.
Teens respond particularly well to opportunities for volunteer work and other socially responsible activities. This desire to make a worthwhile contribution is connected with their own awareness of personal identity and, as with many adults, can become the source of worthwhile goals that make a positive difference in the world.
Encourage them, by personal example where possible, to look for opportunities to get involved in helping others less fortunate than themselves — the experience can teach so much about the social value of goal setting without you even needing to mention the term.
A growing desire for independence is another area where goal setting is a skill that surfaces naturally. While financial realities might determine whether or not an older teen moves into a place of their own or with friends, a review of the possibilities can be very instructive in that the teen learns to see that the gap between the goal and the reality, while large, can be bridged.
How? By desire, commitment and focus on making it happen over time. Patience is one of the unsung attributes of successful goal setting, probably because we are collectively so impatient. In younger teens this goal setting skill can be nurtured when opportunities arise to plan sleepovers or to go on a short trip with a friend’s family, or in sports or animal welfare. There are endless opportunities.
All of the above, when approached by parents and role models in a supportive and enthusing manner can lead teens to naturally conclude that goal setting works! Underpinning teens acceptance of setting goals as a worthwhile endeavor is a sense of self-satisfaction. In the sense that they have opportunities to discover that sometimes “life can be better” and sometimes “I can directly make that happen”.
For a young person struggling with finding their place in the world these mini successes can do wonders for their self-esteem. Applaud them!
Need help with goal setting for teens but can’t afford an excellent coach?
http://www.goalcreationmaps.com/art
Mark McClure is a certified career & life coach and former high school teacher.
Tags: contribution, creativity, goal setting, teens
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