Student Life
Wellness
Setting Goals for the New Year
Dear York Community,
This week our students are working hard, taking their midterm exams, and beginning the winter break! The holidays can be a joyous time. It can also be a very busy time with family and friends, thinking of things we are grateful for, and thinking ahead to the New Year. Making New Year’s resolutions have become part of the holiday season as we think ahead to a New Year. We all know the success rates for New Year’s resolutions aren’t always great. We start off the New Year with such hope, and often just days later, we’re back to our old habits. Goal setting is hard enough for adults, so you can imagine the challenges it holds for teens.
Below are five things you can do to help your teen set, and achieve goals:
- Encourage passion: It’s important for teens to choose goals that matter to them. Ask them what they’re looking forward to this year, and what they have been thinking about.
- Start small: Start with small achievable goals to build confidence. Once that goal has been achieved, encourage them to choose another achievable goal.
- Get it in writing: Recording goals can be clarifying and motivating. Help your teen formulate SMART goals which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Bound. See chart below. Encourage teens to post their goal sheet in a place where they can see it everyday. This will help them share it with a friend or family members. Recording goals and sharing them with others can increase the likelihood of achieving them.
Smart Goals:
Specific: State exactly what you’ll do. Make your goals clear and narrow for
more effective planning.
Measurable: Provide a way to evaluate. Use metrics, or data targets.
Achievable: Work towards a goal that is challenging but possible to
accomplish.
Realistic: Be honest with yourself and know what you’re capable of.
Time-Bound: Your goal should have a timeline. “I will complete this step by”
(include day, week, month).
- Praise the process: Remember to emphasize the steps your child is taking to accomplish their goals more than the end result. When you praise determination, hard work, persistence, and creative problem solving-regardless of how things turn out, you will help your child learn they are capable of tackling challenges in the future. Keep the focus on the journey not the finish line.
- Find allies: If your child’s goal is outside of your own life experience, enlist other trusted adults who can be resources. Think of who might be available to offer advice, share stories, or provide feedback.
Practicing these five strategies can help you encourage your child. Be sure to mark their goal milestones and ask them how they want to celebrate accomplishing their goals. As they are working on achieving their goals, they’re also building these important skills.
Self-reflection: “How do I want to improve this year”?
Self-advocacy: “What do I need to help me reach my goal”?
Self-awareness: “Am I making progress towards my goal”?
Self-control and problem solving: “What can I do to get back on track”?
Self-esteem: “How does achieving my goal make me feel”?
Good luck and remember even if children don’t reach their goals, setting them and working
towards them can be a meaningful experience.
We wish you all a Happy, Safe, Holiday Season!
All the best,
The Wellness Team
