Youth Voice – Goal setting

Are you feeling demotivated this year? Are you struggling to focus at school, university or just getting back into the swing of life? Rest assured, you are not alone. Covid fatigue is real. The demands and constant flux of this season have led to demotivation in many areas of life and for many people of all different ages and stages! We must continue to acknowledge that this is a very unusual time that we live in, and the full effects of which can still not be quantified. 

While this is a difficult space to be in, there are things that we can do to help us stay on track. For one, goal setting is a tool that can help give us a sense of direction, motivation and focus. It can also help give back a sense of control. As a young person, the habits formed today can set you up well for the future and goal setting is merely the road map that guides you forward. With that said, we also must celebrate the resiliency and adaptability young people have demonstrated during this season. Ka pai!

When it comes to youth mentoring, we love to encourage young people to realise their potential. A fantastic place to start in the goal setting process is by imagining. Looking ahead to the end of the year imagining oneself, what do you see that is different from how things are now? Start making a list of ideas. It could be more close friendships, more involved in community activities, in the top school rugby team or passing science.

The next step is setting up the framework for goals in different areas of your life. This may include physical, mental/emotional, social, educational/employment and spiritual categories. The SMART* goal-setting framework is super helpful for getting specific, making goals manageable (you don’t want to set yourself up for failure) and holding yourself accountable to achieving your goals. Within the process, it is also helpful to identify any potential challenges and your steps to achieving them.

Finally, find someone to hold you accountable and to cheer you on! Whether that be a parent, friend or a mentor. We are better together! If one falls down another can lift you up.

As we tackle 2022, it is never too late to set some goals. Don’t underestimate small steps and celebrate the wee wins. All you need to do is look at growing what matters, taking one-step at a time, and little by little, you may be surprised by how your steps add up.

SMART goals: Specific (simple, sensible, significant) • Measurable (meaningful, motivating) • Achievable (agreed, attainable) • Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based) • Time bound (time-based, time limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive)