Setting Goals for 2021

I’m probably not the only one who had goals set for 2020 that really didn’t go the way I anticipated. Personal goals? Business goals? They look different these days. I, like everyone else in the world, was trying to figure out how to “do life” in a COVID world.

But I get it now! The first few months were tough - and it still is tough - but I’ve learned how to adapt and continue to be productive even through the uncertainty. Your teen is resilient. They too can continue to grow and adapt even through a global pandemic!

Though we might laugh over our 2020 goals that never came to fruition (“travel” was on mine!), we’re getting a clean slate in just a few weeks. This is a fantastic opportunity for your teen to look forward and regain that motivation they need to be successful next year. But there are great ways to set goals and mediocre ways to set goals. We want your teen to set goals that they can actually achieve, which will encourage more goal setting and success!

The grandfathers of goal setting, Dr. Edwin Locke and Dr. Gary Latham, spent years and years researching goal setting theory to understand what kinds of goals end up being the most attainable. They found five specific elements that help us achieve our goals. These include:

  • Clarity: The goal must be clear, straightforward, and understandable to others.

  • Challenging: The goal must be a bit difficult, yet still attainable, to provide motivation.

  • Commitment: The goal-setter must believe in the goal’s importance and be committed to achieving the goal.

  • Feedback: In order to be effective, the goal progress must be assessed along the way and be adjusted if needed.

  • Complexity: The goal must not be too complex or overwhelming. The goal should be manageable and not be filled with other smaller goals.

Over the years, others were inspired by Locke and Latham’s theory of goal setting, and SMART goals were born. A SMART goal is:

  • Specific: The goal states exactly what will be accomplished.

  • Measurable: The goal’s progress is trackable and it will be obvious when the goal is achieved.

  • Attainable: The goal is possible to achieve and is not so out of reach.

  • Relevant: The goal is aligned with the goal-setter’s values and it is important to them.

  • Timely: The goal has a deadline.

So basically, effective goals have structure!

When encouraging your teen to set goals for 2021, first set the example. What goals are you setting personally? What goals are you setting as a family? Goal setting is actually a great family activity to do together around the holidays and becomes a fun tradition.

Your child may respond that they don’t have goals to set or aren’t interested in setting goals. What are they looking forward to? Maybe it’s going off to college, starting the college application process, playing on the varsity team once sports start up again, or even something as simple as a “normal” school experience. Focus on that. Expand on that, and encourage them to set a minimum of three goals for the year.

Here are some topics that might spark interest for your teen:

  • Structure homework/study time each day

  • Join a new extracurricular once it is safe to do so

  • Get offered admission to a specific college program

  • Get an A in a difficult class

  • Start running more

  • Save a specific amount of money for dorm decor

Here’s some examples of effective and specific goals:

  • I will get an “A” in AP Calculus AB by doing my calculus homework first and allowing myself an extra 25 minutes per day.  During my dedicated calculus time, I will:

    • complete my calculus homework before TV time

    • review notes from that day,

    • write down any questions I have from the homework to ask my teacher

    • not get discouraged

It’s important to me to earn a 3.6 GPA so I can apply to Dixie State University and get merit aid.  I will reach this goal by May 20 when the school year is over.

  • I will earn $1000 by July 15 so I have money to buy things for my dorm and extra spending money in college. I will do my regular chores to earn my allowance and I will also continue selling face masks on Etsy and locally. Every week I will:

    • Do an inventory on my available masks

    • Make sure shipments are sent out on time

    • Keep up with my chores

    • Set aside a small amount of money to do fun things with friends

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I wish you all the happiness for the rest of 2020 and into 2021. Let’s set those goals with our families and watch them come to life next year!