Talking to an unmotivated teen about where he sees himself in five years may net you nothing but a shoulder shrug or an eye roll. Teenagers often have a hard time looking into their future, which makes setting goals for teens a tough task. Cutting down their goals into baby steps that are easily achievable can help them get ready to set more goals, with a new confidence that they can achieve those things that they set out to do. Staying on top of their progress can help them find a sense of accomplishment.
Step 1
Begin a serious discussion with your teen about the future. Instead of making it a formal event, use casual settings like the car or during a commercial break while watching television to begin the discussion. Ask your teen what he wants to do in the next month, the next three months and the next six months. Making the future closer to home than five years can make her think more seriously about her immediate future and how it will affect the years ahead.
Step 2
Cut the goals into "bite-sized pieces" that your teen can more easily handle, notes Homeschool-By-Design.com. Instead of helping him to set a goal to get into college, which can seem overwhelming, break the goal down into several smaller goals, like writing a good entrance essay, visiting with a guidance counselor and filling out applications. These smaller goals give him more focus, and will result in achieving the end goal in a more natural and organic way.
Step 3
Set a deadline for smaller goals so that she knows when each goal should be completed. While you may think that letting her do it on her own time is better, setting goals on a time line is an important exercise in meeting deadlines and working on a schedule. She'll be able to more easily track her progress and goals when they aren't so abstract.
Step 4
Check in on her progress at regular intervals. Instead of nagging for him to complete his goals, which will only serve to make him annoyed and less likely to continue to set goals, try encouraging him to finish his baby steps. You might want to motivate him with a trip to the college campus, or something else that you know will help get him on track and looking toward the future.
Step 5
Watch for roadblocks in the way of her setting goals, says TeenHelp.com. A social life, school work and sports teams are all important to a teen, and if her goals are getting in the way of those things, she may be less likely to set them. Instead, when setting goals with her, anticipate those roadblocks and talk about ways around them. She'll be better equipped to deal with problems in the way of her goals if she already knows what they are.
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