No one wants to spin their wheels like a hamster going nowhere. So take some time now to save yourself time later! Figure out what your teen values in their life, and set actionable goals together!

*By actionable, I mean goals that achievable and can be measured. Vague goals such as “get in shape” or “do better in school” are not specific enough. Being as specific as possible is important. How you will know when you have reached the goal? Use numbers to measure things like time spent on this goal, or how many days per week you will work on this goal.

3 Steps to help your teen set actionable goals:

1. Spend some time with a blank piece of paper in front of you, and set a timer for 5 minutes. What do you want to accomplish this semester? Write down everything that comes to mind.
2. Take a break, then come back and look at your list. Do you have any repeating statements? What can be grouped together?
   • For example, you may have several sports goals, school goals, etc.
3. Turn these into actionable goals.
   • You can’t control winning state in cross country. However, you CAN dedicate yourself to putting in the work to train well. You may make a goal such as: I will train 6 days per week.

Making sure the goals are actionable (measurable and therefore achievable) is where you, the parent, come in. I promise, you will not regret taking the time to help your teen set actionable goals!