“There is no passion to be found playing small and settling for a life that’s less than the one you’re capable of living” -Nelson Mandela. Talking about goals can be boring, but it doesn't have to be! By focusing on dreams and passions, you can get even unmotivated teens a little more excited about goal-setting. 

• Why goals matter
  • Setting goals helps you become who you want to become
  • Goals help organize us and keep us focused
  • Goal-setting is important for mental health
  • Setting and achieving goals give you qualities and skills that set you apart from those who don’t
• Tips for talking with your teen about goals
  • Talking with an unmotivated teen
  • Talking with an overly-motivated, perfectionist teen
  • General tips
• How to set effective goals
  • Write down the goal
  • SMART
  • Choose a “goal buddy” 
  • Name potential challenges and setbacks
  • Schedule revisiting and revising dates

Resources:

• Julie Nairman, Big Life Journal, How to Help Teens Set Effective Goals, https://biglifejournal.com/blogs/blog/guide-effective-goal-setting-teens-template-worksheet
• Leslie Riopel MsC, Positive Psychology, The Importance, Benefits, and Value of Goal Setting, https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-goal-setting/#:~:text=Setting%20goals%20helps%20trigger%20new,you%20don't%20properly%20manage
• SMART Teen App, https://www.teensmartgoals.com/goal-setting-for-teens
• The boring YouTube video on SMART goals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCRSVRD2EAk
• Motivating YouTube videos for you and your teen
  • Michelle Obama graduation speech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxW5D5VPg_0
  • What Are Your Goals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNITe9snHqA
  • Denzel Washington graduation speech https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbnzAVRZ9Xc