Adolescence can be one of the most difficult times of life. Young people are trying to "find themselves," and striving to fit in with others. Self-esteem suffers, and pressures to do well in school in preparation for their future are overwhelming. Schools teach kids how to read, write and do arithmetic, but they do not teach them how to use those skills to become successful. Learning to set goals as a young person can be a vital skill for a child's future.
Features
Every kid has dreams. Some dream of being pro football players, others of being president, and others just dream of making the team. But a dream remains a dream until it has direction. To set a goal, take a dream or idea and write it down. Then develop a specific plan of action to reach it and a date to reach it upon, according to well-known motivational speaker Zig Ziglar.
Significance
Multiple studies have shown positive relationships between mastery-oriented goals and student achievement, as well as persistence when working on a difficult subject and understanding of subject material. Two studies in particular, conducted by J.P. Gaa and published in 1973 and 1979, found that secondary school students who set goals and met with their teachers once a week to discuss and evaluate those goals, achieved at higher academic levels than their peers. Ziglar claims that approximately 3 percent of Americans set specific goals, and those 3 percent account for the majority of wealth in the United States.
Types
The goals that each young person sets are dependent on what is important to each individual. Ziglar suggests making a list of about 25 dreams, then taking a day or two to think about them. If the youth cannot explain why he wants to achieve a particular dream on the list, that one should be removed. The list may include academics, sports, relationships, health, personal fulfillment, extracurricular activities, family goals and finances. If it is important enough that the young person can develop the dream and explain why he wants or needs it, then it is an acceptable goal.
Steps
Once the list of 25 dreams is narrowed, the young person should make sure each one is what she wants, and that it is moral, in line with her other dreams, attainable and one to which she can commit. Next, break each dream into steps. Outline how she will get to the finish line. Be as specific as possible. Using dates for each step will help her keep on track. Finally, set a completion date. If she knows what her destination is, and she knows how to get there, she needs to know exactly where the finish line is located.
Suggestions
After the goals are set and plan is in motion, continue tracking the goals by keeping a journal of progress. Many people, especially youths, tend to get discouraged when setbacks occur. If the progress has been tracked in a journal, he can look back at the strides he has made, reminding him that if he takes one step at a time he can reach his goal.
References
- Goals 2 Go: Zig Ziglar on Goal Setting
- Journal of Experimental Education; "Effects of Individual Goal Setting Conferences on Achievement, Attitude and Goal-Setting Behavior"; J.P. Gaa; 1973
- Psychology in the Schools; "The Effect of Individual Goal-Setting Conferences on Academic Achievement and Modification of Locus of Control Orientation"; J.P. Gaa; 1979
- Children, Youth and Women's Health Service: Young Adult Health: Goals
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