By Bobbi DePorter, Co-Founder of SuperCamp and President of Quantum Learning Network How do teens and pre-teens learn to become successful? While part of it is simple trial and error – failing, learning from it, and trying again until they succeed – another component of the success model for young people is understanding how to set goals and follow through on them. At this time of year, with a new year here, it’s a good opportunity to think about how you can help build an awareness in your kids about the concept of goals. The Best Goals Relate to Our Passions Our passions and dreams are the real motivators in our lives: the things we want deep down. Young people are no different. When we know what we want, nothing stops us. Passion enables us to look at the obstacles that are keeping us from our goals as things to be overcome, rather than as barriers. No dream ever comes true, no obstacle is ever overcome, no goal is ever reached without focused action. Yet young people are seldom specifically taught how to set and pursue goals. They may not have a strong sense of what a goal really is or what comes after a goal is set.
A helpful way to frame the concept of goals to your son or daughter is to ask them what ideas they have concerning what they’d like to accomplish. These ideas, in effect, are goals and they likely relate to something your son or daughter is passionate about. If your kids are a little older and more self-aware, ask them to ponder these questions: "Who am I?" "Where can I see myself going in life?" "What's the most incredible life I can think of living?" They should find that, with a little introspection, a few goals will come to the surface. And while we want our kids to reach for the stars, it does make sense to point out that there are practical goals and those that are long shots. Creating a Plan The next step in the process is talking with your kids about creating a specific plan to make their ideas (goals) a reality. To achieve a goal, one must know what it takes to get there. A good place to start is by noticing what others have done who are where you want to be.
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