Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure for more info.
You are a strong believer in setting goals for yourself, and you want to pass on this belief to your children. Motivating and encouraging them to think big may seem like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be if you just follow these suggestions:
In This Post:
Lead by Example
Impress upon your children the importance of goal setting by constantly having your own goals in progress. Teach them how important it is to have your aspirations committed to writing to increase its effectiveness. Review your goals often in front of your family. Announce to the entire family when major and minor milestones are reached.
Create Traditions
Every New Year’s Day, make it a family tradition to sit down together and write out goals and resolutions for the year. Teach them how to visualize a very successful future and, again, how important it is to put everything in writing.
Acknowledge Failure
This may seem like an odd step but when a child fails, it shows that he is at least putting forth effort. Remind him of great leaders such as Thomas Edison and Abraham Lincoln, both of whom went through devastating disappointments before they became successful. Encourage him to try again and again after a disappointment and eventually he will achieve his goals.
Celebrate Goals
When your child achieves a goal, make a big deal out of it. Congratulate them and celebrate with the whole family. Tell him or her how proud you are of their efforts and encourage them in their future aspirations.
Stress the Importance of Education
Success comes so much easier for a child with a college education. Explain that monetary rewards are not the only benefits of attending post-secondary schools. Sometimes having a degree such as a master’s degree in social work will supply an individual with fulfilling and meaningful work that can benefit many people.
Supply Positive Reading Materials
You may have a library of self-help and motivational books, but your children could also benefit from similar reading materials that are geared to their age. Consider purchasing “The Power of Positive Thinking for Teens” by Mary Lou Carney. It will guide your tween or teen through the steps it takes to be a successful individual. If the youngster is a small child, read him the story “The Little Engine That Could” to illustrate that a positive mindset will lead him to the road of success. As illustrated, there are many ways and means to motivate your children. Using these guidelines are the first steps to introducing your youngsters to a meaningful and productive life. Goal setting is an ongoing process though, so even as your children reach adulthood, stress the importance of goal setting for both business and personal success.