Welcome back to our series on resilience and post-traumatic growth. In the previous articles, we discussed various strategies to support children’s physical and emotional well-being. This article will focus on the importance of setting realistic goals, which can help children build confidence, stay motivated, and develop resilience.
A Realistic Goals Framework
Setting realistic goals helps children develop a sense of purpose and direction. Goals provide a framework for children to focus their efforts and measure their progress, which can enhance their self-esteem and motivation (Locke & Latham, 2002). Research shows that goal-setting is associated with higher levels of achievement and well-being (Deci & Ryan, 2000).
Practical Tips for Realistic Goals
- SMART Goals: Teach children to set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (Locke & Latham, 2002).
- Break Down Goals: Help children break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed (Deci & Ryan, 2000).
- Celebrate Progress: Recognize and celebrate progress towards goals, no matter how small, to build confidence and motivation (American Psychological Association, 2014).
- Adjust Goals as Needed: Encourage flexibility in goal-setting, allowing children to adjust their goals as needed based on their experiences and progress (Deci & Ryan, 2000).
Summary
Setting realistic goals is essential for building resilience and fostering post-traumatic growth. By teaching children to set SMART goals, break down larger goals, celebrate progress, and adjust goals as needed, we can help them develop a sense of purpose and direction.
Research and Anecdotal References
- Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year odyssey. American Psychologist, 57(9), 705-717. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.57.9.705
- Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01
- American Psychological Association. (2014). The power of goal setting. https://www.apa.org/education-career/guide/setting-goals
- Mindful Schools. (n.d.). Goal setting and mindfulness. https://www.mindfulschools.org/
- National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Setting goals to improve your mental health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/setting-goals
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