While many people are busy making their New Years Resolutions, few stop to think beyond oneself in the quest for personal improvement. Those of us in the work world have likely heard of listing Smart Goals for business or Smart Goals to grow their career. We’ve had coaching and counseling to adopt Smart Goals for relationships and Smart Goals to be a better “fill-in-the-blank.”
When many resolutions fade to black by February, a Smart Goal is designed to make one accountable. Helping children set Smart Goals establishes a healthy habit that will resonate and benefit them throughout their lives. When kids set goals, they learn to be independent and self-sufficient. They become empowered and they learn how to work toward something meaningful.
How can you help your children set Smart Goals and set personal goals? Here are a few tips:
1) Understand what a Smart Goal represents. Smart Goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely.
2) Remember that the goals are your child’s goals, not yours. You are going to help them outline what they have to do to achieve those goals. Some goal ideas for younger children can be to pick up their room for 5 minutes each day or read for 20 minutes after dinner.
3) For children who are prone to meltdowns, a goal can be behavior based. One idea is when your child is in tantrum mode, he will stop and take 5 deep breaths.
4) Specific goals go beyond “I want a new bike.” To be specific, the goal must state “I want to earn $50 by July to buy a bike. I will earn $50 by helping mom unload the dishwasher, putting my clothes away every week and helping dad with the lawn.” Goals must be visible (we like to put a picture of our goals on the refrigerator.)
5) Remember to celebrate the small successes in the goal journey. Verbal recognition, a star chart and even the occasional treat will keep the motivation strong and the momentum in place.
Related read: 5 Ways to Create Structure for Your Children
Smart Goals, unlike resolutions, are an ability to create the intended result whereby you fully control the direction. A resolution is a decision or determination to do something. Interestingly, helping your children set Smart Goals can be a goal for yourself heading into the new year.
Have you had success setting Smart Goals for yourself or your family? Send us a note, we would love to hear from you and possibly share your story. Contact us through the link below.
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