Helping a Teen Stick to a Goal

Set Clear, Measurable, Realistic Goals

• When your teen sets clear and realistic goals, the likelihood that he will accomplish these goals is increased. Making sure the goal is clear gives your teen a specific area of focus when he takes the necessary steps to accomplish his goal. A realistic goal sets your teen in the direction in which he would like to go, with the likelihood that he can accomplish his goals if he stays focused and determined. Creating unrealistic goals that rely on good luck or fortune -- such as winning a million dollars in the lottery -- fail to teach your teen appropriate goal-setting strategies.

Set Measurable Objectives

• While goals give your teen a direction in which to focus his efforts, objectives are specifics that detail how your teen will accomplish his goals. For instance, your teen's goal might be "I will improve in science by one letter grade by the end of next semester," and possible objectives to accompany this goal may be "I will work with a tutor once a week, and I will increase my study time by 30 minutes each school day." Objectives help your teen understand how he will accomplish his goals.

Teach Self-Discipline

• Encourage your teen to develop a habit of practicing the behaviors necessary for him to accomplish his goal. Self-discipline involves self-control and self-restraint, so teach him that he will have to change some of his old habits and behaviors in order for him to accomplish his goal. For instance, in the example given above, if your teen would rather watch TV than study to improve his grade, he'll have to control his urge to do what he wants to do, in order to do what he has to do to accomplish his goals.

3D Modeling: Discipline, Dedication and Determination

• The most effective way to teach your teen to stick to a goal is to model this behavior yourself. When your teen sees that you had the discipline, dedication and determination to complete your dietary or exercise goals, then he has a better chance of exhibiting this behavior as well. Research compiled by Purdue University's continuing education extension says that children learn appropriate behaviors by watching what their parents do. Your ability to stick with personal, professional and family goals shows your teen the benefits staying with your goals until they're completed.

Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated

• It's not uncommon for motivation levels to wane at certain times when pursuing goals, so it's important to encourage your teen to use various tools to help him get back on track and see his goals to completion. Kids Health offers several tools that teens reportedly used to stay motivated to accomplish their goals, such as obtaining an accountability partner -- a trusted confidant who knows your teen's goals and encourages him along the way -- or having a clear, definitive reason why accomplishing a specific goal is important to your teen.