Dream It, Plan It, Do It: A Teen's Guide to Crushing Goals
How Teens Can Set and Crush Their Goals
Let’s face it, goal setting can feel overwhelming. But once you break it down and make it your own, it becomes a game changer. Here’s how teens can set and actually work toward their goals in a fun, manageable way.
Why Bother with Goals?
Focus and Purpose: Goals give you a clear target, so you can channel your energy and make smarter choices about how to spend your time.
Personal Growth: Reaching for your goals means stepping out of your comfort zone. You’ll pick up life skills like planning, managing your time, and bouncing back from challenges. Plus, you’ll learn a ton about yourself along the way.
Shaping Your Future: Think of goals as your GPS. They guide you to where you want to go instead of leaving your future up to chance.
How to Find Your Goals
Discover What Excites You: Spend time journaling, reflecting, or just thinking about what lights you up. What activities make you lose track of time? What’s something you’d do even if no one asked you to?
Try New Things: Join a club, volunteer, or take a class outside your comfort zone. Exploring different experiences can help uncover hidden interests.
Align with Your Values: Think about what’s most important to you. If you care about helping animals, maybe your goal involves volunteering at a shelter. When your goals match your values, they’re way more motivating.
Creating SMART Goals
Make your goals SMART:
Specific: Be clear about what you want.
Measurable: How will you know when you’ve achieved it?
Achievable: Can you actually do it?
Relevant: Does it matter to you?
Time-bound: Set a deadline.
Examples:
Improve your math grade from a C to a B by the end of the semester. Study 30 minutes more each day and go to weekly tutoring.
Save $500 for a new laptop by working part-time on weekends and saving half your earnings.
Learn to play five songs on the guitar by practicing 30 minutes daily for three months.
Making an Action Plan
Break It Down: Big goals can be scary, so divide them into smaller steps. Want to write a novel? Start with creating characters or setting a daily word count.
Set a Timeline: Deadlines keep you on track. Use a calendar to map out when you’ll tackle each step.
Get Support: Think about what tools, people, or resources you’ll need. Ask teachers, parents, or mentors for advice or help.
Staying Motivated
Beat the Hurdles: Life gets busy, and doubts creep in. Break tasks into tiny steps, find an accountability buddy, or create visual reminders like a vision board.
Celebrate Small Wins: Every step forward is worth celebrating. Treat yourself or share your success with a friend to stay pumped up.
Take Care of Yourself: Sleep, exercise, and downtime matter. A healthy you = a more productive you.
Balancing It All
Prioritize: Not all goals are equal. Decide what’s most urgent and what can wait.
Time Management Hacks: Use a planner, try the Pomodoro technique (work 25 minutes, take a break), and cut out time-wasters.
Know Your Limits: It’s OK to say no and adjust goals if needed. Burnout helps no one.
Who Can Help?
Parents & Guardians: They can offer advice and resources, but make sure you’re the one owning your goals.
Mentors & Role Models: Find inspiration in teachers, coaches, or people doing what you dream of. Learn from their journeys.
School Resources: Don’t overlook your school’s counselors, workshops, or career programs. They’re there to help.
Goals don’t have to be intimidating. Start small, dream big, and remember — every step forward counts. You’ve got this!
