5 Tips for Teen Goal-Setting

We all have places we want to go in life, but sometimes the journey towards our goals seems impossible. Goal-setting is a great way to make your dreams more attainable, but only 20 per cent of the population actually sets goals. So why not be one of them and start a goal-setting revolution amongst youth?

Start Small

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We all have dreams, but in order to reach that destination, we must take smaller steps. If you realize what your long-term goal is, plan out what you need to do to get there and keep breaking it down into smaller goals—monthly, weekly, daily—so that they are more manageable.

Write It Out

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It’s one thing to conjure up your goals in your head, but it helps to visualize them on paper. Draw a goal map or use your planner to mark achievements and due dates for your goals. Try making a dream board by cutting out photos from magazines and newspapers to create a collage of what your ultimate reality would look like—just be realistic and make sure you know what you’re asking for.

Don’t Go Overboard

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You don’t want to get too crazy with your goals and overwhelm yourself with all the commitments you’ve made to yourself and others. Keep your goals manageable and recognize that you can only do so much at one time. Taking on five big projects at once isn’t going to get you to the finish line any faster, so go at your own pace. Remember, the tortoise beats the hare.

Be Realistic

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Imagine wanting to be the President of the United States—at the age of 12-years-old. You may have a long way to go, but there are realistic goals you can set that will steer you in the right direction. For example, run for school council or be part of a volunteer committee. To make progress with your long-term goals, adjust your short-term goals weekly and monthly and check in with yourself regularly to make sure you’re staying grounded and being realistic about your achievements.

Take Action

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When you write out a goal, stick with it—don’t just leave it there on the page. Commit to yourself and your future by taking the steps now that will lead you in the right direction to where you want to end up in five, 10 and 15 years. If you don’t start today, when will you start?

Feature Image: Swen-Peter Ekkebus