Goal Setting Habits

In 4-H, adults facilitate the process of empowering youth to practice goal setting skills. Establishing goal setting habits creates communities of people who thrive and succeed throughout their lives.

Young people in 4-H have extensive opportunities to plan, organize and coordinate projects, activities and events. The growth gained through these opportunities is part of a larger effort to ensure that youth are intentionally moved toward a trajectory of thriving.

Youth learn goal setting habits by

acquiring knowledge that goal setting involves a conscious shift in behavior.
selecting goals that are meaningful, realistic and that will require stretching their skills and abilities.
creating strategies for pursuing their goals.
changing the strategies or goals when the original goal is unattainable.

Resources

Damon, W. (2008) The Path to Purpose. New York: Free Press.

Lerner, R. (2007) The Good Teen. New York: Three Rivers Press