Motivated for Change, One Goal at a Time

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” ~ Larry Elder

“Goals?!  What goals?!”

For teens, goals may mean “Those things my parents WANT me to do,” rather than something that really helps THEM succeed in life.  Start your teen off on the right foot with tips to achieve what THEY want, even if it is to get that dress, skateboard, or weekend event.

1. Be Clear on what you want.  Example: “I will achieve no less than a B in math this semester.”  Tips:

• Share your goal and have that person repeat it back.
• Could someone else access whether you have accomplished the goal?

2. Be Positive. Focus on what you WANT to do, NOT on what you DON’T want to do.  Example: “I’ll eat more fruits and vegetables each day.”  Tips:

• Avoid negative terms such as “don’t,” or “not” in your goal.
• Visualize what you want to achieve, and write that into your goal statement.

3. Break down your goal into smaller action steps.  Example:  “I’ll workout 20 minutes per day doing one of these exercises – running, Wii Fit, basketball, or weights.”  Tips:

• Identify smaller steps to your bigger goals.
• Place these action steps on your calendar or To Do list.

4. Be Inspired. Keep in mind why you are working on the goal.  Example: “I’m improving my grades to get into my dream college.”  Tips:

• Identify a picture, symbol, word, poem, or phrase that inspires you (i.e., poster of your dream college).
• Place it where you will see it every day – bathroom mirror, front of school binder, etc.

5. Track Progress with a regular and honest assessment.  Examples:  Track your study hours and grades on class projects;  log time spent on specific exercises per day.  Tips:

• Designate a specific time of the day to note your progress.
• Use a calendar, cell phone, or computer program to track and review.

6. Celebrate by treating yourself throughout your goal process such as dedicating funds for a shopping spree, or spending a beach day with friends.  Tips:

• Plan a small reward a quarter or half-way through your goal.
• Tie the celebration to your goal inspiration such as planning a trip to the college of your dreams after getting your desired semester grade!

7. Be Held Accountable by sharing your goal with one who will support you?  This may be a BFF, parent, teacher, counselor, or life coach.  Identify a good accountability partner by asking:

• Do you trust them?
• Can he/she provide you honest and supportive feedback?
• Does he/she have the time to dedicate to you?

Setting your goal is only the first step toward achieving it.  The likelihood of reaching individual goals is:

• 6-8% if you just set a goal,
• 25-30% if you set a goal and write it down;
• 55-60% if you set a goal, write it down, and verbalize it with others; and
• 85% if you set a goal, write it down, verbalize it with others, and have an accountability partner¹.

What “step” do you plan to take today towards the changes you want in life?  Well, what are you waiting for?  Start NOW!

¹ [Goal Setting: A Motivational Technique that Works, E. A. Locke & G. P. Latham, Prentice-Hall, 1994]

Kick start those new year resolutions and goals into action and achieve the success you want NOW by calling (619) 440-2332 or submitting a contact form to schedule your 1-hour coaching session for just $2016. Don’t forget to mention promo code “KICK START 2016” in your message! Offer ends January 31, 2016.