Happy Goal Setting in 2015!
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By Hanna Bogen, M.S., CCC-SLP2015 is now upon us, and with the New Year often comes a resolve to set lofty goals. At Communication Works, we are rooted in the belief of growth mindset over fixed mindset, and with that the assumption that we are never “stuck” in life. The New Year can be a great time to identify and set goals for the coming months with your child, and this month’s blog post is dedicated to providing support for creating functional, feasible goals.Setting smart, realistic goals relies on awareness of one’s strengths and interests. Too often we pick the area of greatest challenge for a New Year’s resolution without identifying which of our strengths and abilities will guide us towards that goal. This leaves us treading water without any kind of lifesaver in sight. This year, allow your child’s personal interests to guide the goals they set. Does your child love building with Legos? Perhaps a motivating goal is to complete a science fair project that centers around construction and building. While the ultimate outcome of this goal is a successful academic accomplishment, it is based on an intrinsically motivating interest. Once the goal is determined, work with your child to create a collage or list of his/her strengths and abilities that will help him/her accomplish the goal. Maybe the list looks like:
I am good at picturing how something should be built so it won’t break.
I know how to keep my Lego pieces organized so it’s easier to build.
I am good at making 3-D things, like cards and drawings.
I can put puzzles together very fast.
I can make complicated Lego creations without even needing the instructions!
It feels much easier to start a task when there is recognition of one’s capabilities that will help to ultimately achieve the goal.Just as it is important to identify strengths and abilities related to a goal, it is also helpful to acknowledge components of the goal that may require additional support. You can aid your child in determining which tools, resources, and people will be helpful throughout the process of working towards the goal. This process of priming allows your child to consider potential obstacles and problem-solve ahead of time.As stated in the Possible Selves curriculum (Hock, Schumaker and Deshler, 2010), “A goal is a dream with a deadline.” Realistic goals require manageable action plans, and you can work with your child to create an action plan for his/her goal. An action plan may involve mental actions (e.g., planning, debating, deciding, etc.) and physical actions (e.g., shopping for materials, completing a written project, building a model, etc.). For each step of your action plan, support your child in identifying the materials he/she will need and the estimated time required for that step. This detailed mapping ensures that all parts of the action plan are accounted for prior to starting to work towards the goal.Consistent and active reflection is a critical component of successful project management. Remind your child to review and reflect on his/her progress throughout the process of achieving a goal. This regular reflection will allow your child to change course, if necessary, rather than following a path that ultimately will not lead to success. With reflection can come disappointment and frustration, so remember to validate your child’s experience as he/she works towards the goal.Finally, remember to celebrate the small accomplishments along the way. Some goals can be long and arduous, and children may lose sight of all they have accomplished when all they focus on is the ultimate goal. Point out any and all situations when your child has met a benchmark of the goal, and allow him/her to bask in the glory of taking steps forward, however small they may be.As we enter 2015, we wish you happy goal setting and a happy, healthy new year!