Goal Setting For Teens Sets the Foundation for Adulthood
Michalis "BIG Mike" Kotzakolios
Kotzakoliou, SSA

Goal setting is an activity that can literally change lives. As adults, we can certainly learn proper goal setting techniques. But when it is learned at a younger age, goal setting for teens can become an ingrained habit and set the foundation for a fruitful and successful adult life.

Goal setting for teens begins with the whys of goal setting. Teenagers tend not to look any further than this weekend's party. Long-term thinking consists of counting down the days until summer vacation. One of the best ways to communicate the importance of goal setting for teens is a quote from goal-meister Zig Ziglar: When you do what you have to do when you have to do them, the time will come when you can do what you want to do when you want to do them.

Think about that: teenagers want to party, goof off, and hang out with friends. For many, school is secondary. But if they do well in school and can achieve their goals, the time will come when they can party, goof off, and hang out with friends all they want, sometimes sooner than they think.

Goal setting for teens doesn't have to be earth-shattering. It can be as small as earning an A on the next math test. Have him or her write down the goal - I will score 90% on my mathematics exam on March 1, 2006. Then ask them what it's going to take to earn 90%. For example, if the test is on certain algebra formulas, they can practice those formulas until they know it cold. Once test time comes around, they will have the confidence to earn at least an A on the exam. If and when they do score that 90, they will develop the confidence to set bigger and bigger goals. They can set a goal to earn an A for the semester in math. If they're more ambitious, they can set a goal for straight A's for the entire school year.

Once teenagers get into the habit of setting and achieving goals, the sky is the limit. These are skills they can bring into adulthood, and they'll know exactly what they need to do to succeed.