Goal setting can be a fantastic skill for children to learn, and the start of the year can be a great time to introduce the practice of goal-setting to kids.
Many kids can struggle with the self-belief that they can learn new skills, take up new hobbies or pursue their dreams. Often, adults in their lives will subconsciously confirm these beliefs as many adults will state they’re ‘too old’ or ‘not able’ to go for their dreams too. But, leading by example and showing that it’s never too late to set goals and go for them can help to instil lifelong learning.
Getting into the practice of goal setting (for both kids and adults) can bring many benefits, including:
- Building self-awareness
- Improving decision making
- Analysing strengths and weaknesses
- Feeling empowered
- Creating direction and clarity
- Developing a personal understanding of success
However, goal setting isn’t simply a case of thinking about what you want and hoping it will turn up! Instead, goal setting requires and develops aspects such as determination, motivation, strategic thinking and effort.
But, by asking kids the right questions, you can help them to create goals they can work towards in 2023 and developing this practice early can encourage lifelong goal setting and learning.
Best Questions to Help Kids And Teens Set 2023 Goals
What would you like to accomplish this year?
Hopefully, they’ll have lots of ideas, and you can begin to discuss what’s a priority for them. If they need encouragement, talk about their strengths, passions and what they love to do. This may spark ideas of what else they might like to do.
Tip: Try not to give too much input. These shouldn’t be your goals!
Why is this important to you?
So many adults will set New Year’s Resolutions that are nice to have, but often these resolutions fail because there isn’t the motivation or reason to succeed. Asking why the goal is important can help kids dig deep into why they want to achieve that goal.
Tip: Use future pacing to help kids visualise the importance of committing to the goal. For example, ask questions such as ‘by the end of 2023, what will be different if you commit to this goal?’
To achieve this goal, what do you need to do?
This question can help kids to break the goal down into small steps. For this, you can use reverse engineering – so looking at what happens when the goal is accomplished and working backwards at what’s needed to make it happen.
Tip: Open-ended questions such as ‘what else?’ can help kids to ensure they’ve thought about possible aspects that can help them reach their goals
Do you want to write this goal down?
Studies show you are 42% more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down. For kids, a written goal in a diary, a vision board or poster for a goal can really help kids to keep focused and stay on track.
Tip: Use the SMART technique of being Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound to help kids write down their goals in a clear way.
If you want to support your child with more direction or with goal setting, coaching can help create a safe, supportive environment where children and teens can talk openly about their goals while finding the strategies to overcome any obstacles they may face with their goals. To find out how coaching can help your child with their 2023 goals, book a free consultation with head coach Karen.
