There are significant benefits for teenagers who set goals. Goals can teach the difference between wants and needs, motivate teens to challenge themselves, and teach them to ask for assistance when necessary.
Setting goals isn’t an inherent skill. It needs to be learned and practiced. The strategies below help teenagers practice setting achievable and worthwhile goals.
Teens need to get some “quick wins” when they start setting goals. For adults and teenagers alike, sometimes a fear of failure can prevent us from working on a goal.
Encourage goals to be ones inside a teenager’s control, rather than somebody else’s. For example, replace the goal “get the lead in the school play” with “have my audition monologue completely memorized.”
2. They Want Freedom to Set Their Own Goals; Provide Suggestions & Structure
Many people start their first jobs as teenagers. It’s fun to use disposable income as soon as it hits a bank account, but it’s better to use some of the money towards both short-term and long-term goals.
- Get hired for a first job- Earn enough to buy a prom dress, new electronic, etc. - Earn money from a side hustle- Set up a savings account this month- Open an investment account this month- Track your stocks and investments
Popular short-term money goals for teenagers may include: