Sometimes barriers can be very overwhelming, and it helps to break things down into the most important tasks (meaning the ones that the young person identifies as being the most important things they feel they need to accomplish). No one reaches their goals completely alone. Everyone needs support sometimes whether it’s someone to talk things through with, help finding resources, or just a reminder that they’re not in it by themselves. You deserve support on your journey.
Here are some questions you can ask your young person to help guide them in setting goals for themselves.
What goals do I hope to achieve this year?
Examples: Get a job, finish school, find housing, learn a new skill, feel more confident, improve my mental health.
What are my obstacles (what can get in the way of helping me achieve my goals)?
Possible barriers may include no transportation, feeling overwhelmed, don’t know where to start, childcare, money, mental health.
Tools: What can help me stay on track and help me achieve my goals?
Examples: Text reminders, check-ins, reward when I hit a goal, someone to talk to.
Steps: What steps can I take right now to help me achieve this goal?
- For each step, ask: Can I do this on my own? If I need help, who can help me? (This can be a parent, teacher, friend, or volunteer. Write down ways that person can help.)
How often should I be checking in on my goals?
- Weekly
- Bi-Weekly
- Monthly
- Other
Next Steps: What can I do right away to start working on my goals?
If you are working with a young person - the young person may make a commitment for what they can do in the next week or month. If you are helping the young person with their goals you may choose make separate action steps for you and the young person to show that it is a collaborative effort and each person has their own expectations for how they will work together. Goal setting is a great way to build confidence and self-efficacy in our young people.
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