HOW TO HELP KIDS SET AND SMASH THEIR 2025 GOALS
One of the most tried-and-true principles in personal development, sports psychology, even spirituality is some form of goal setting. Whether you prefer frameworks like G.R.O.W, S.M.A.R.T., or simply “manifesting”, writing down and articulating what you want from a particular timeframe has been shown to help you move toward those objectives. Think of it as a map and compass—it provides direction, a destination and a sense of purpose for the year ahead.
Help Young People overcome the Fear of Failure
For many young people, figuring out which goals to set can be intimidating. Sometimes there’s insecurity in admitting what you want, compounded by the fear of potentially falling short in achieving it. But remember: you don’t need to achieve your goal perfectly for it to be worthwhile. Pursuing a goal with genuine effort will build character, develop your skills, boost your resilience, and build confidence for future challenges and obstacles.
The G.R.O.W. Goal Setting Model
At LifeChanger, we champion the G.R.O.W. Goal Setting Model as a powerful tool to engage and inspire young people to imagine and achieve.
It’s a powerful model because it goes beyond simply dreaming up something, and challenges you to face the reality of your situation and develop a plan for success.
We encourage you to carve out some time to sit down with a young person in your life and set meaningful intentions for the new year.
Here’s a step-by-step version of the G.R.O.W. Model to follow:
Click here to print out your own LifeChanger G.R.O.W Worksheet
Here’s a step-by-step version of the G.R.O.W. Model to follow:
Goals: Define Your Goals
Start by asking yourself: What exactly do I want to achieve?
Ensure your goal is clear, inspiring, and well-defined.
Reality: Assess Your Current Situation
Reflect on where you are now.
Consider your strengths, weaknesses, and any relevant circumstances.
Ask: What’s happening currently that might affect my progress?
Opportunities/Obstacles: Resources and Challenges
Identify who or what could help you achieve your goal.
Pinpoint potential challenges or obstacles that could stand in your way.
Think creatively about how to leverage opportunities and overcome barriers.
Way Forward: Create an Action Plan
Outline the steps you need to take to reach your goal.
Be specific and ensure each step is actionable and realistic.
Ask: What’s the very first step I can take right now?
By following this framework, you’ll have clarity on what you want to achieve and a clear path to achieving them with purpose and confidence!
Tips To Actually Achieving Your Goals
1. Get Laser-Like Specific
Simply Saying “I want to be more disciplined” or “I want to read more” is too vague. Focus on specifics—commit to reading 10–20 pages daily or challenge yourself in new ways. This reveals hidden strengths and weaknesses, fueling personal growth.
2. How big is your WHY?
A great goal should inspire and challenge you—so compelling it pulls you forward. To achieve it, clarify your ‘’WHY.” The stronger your reason, the easier it is to navigate the “HOW.” For example: I’ll finally reach the level of those I admire, I’ll feel proud and accomplished when I achieve this, or I’ll make a difference by solving a meaningful problem.
3. Embrace the Lessons Along the Way
Success or failure, the journey should teach you something. If your goals feel stagnant or like “all or nothing,” it’s time to rethink them. Everyday you hit your task or target, or especially if you miss, is a lesson - “what do I take away from this?” should be the question you ask yourself.
4. Know Where to Sacrifice and Where Not To.
Ambitious goals can make you feel time-poor, but before blaming others or events, ask yourself: How much time did I waste on social media or random TV? Often, better work-life balance means trimming wasteful habits, not meaningful relationships or hobbies, which actually boost well-being and productivity.
Inaction Is the Real Enemy
With the GROW model and these tips in mind you're in a great place to sit down either on your own or with a young person in your life and start plotting a path towards the 2025 you really want.
Don’t fear setting ambitious goals or falling short—pursuing a challenge always moves you forward. Without clear goals, you’re just guessing.
Make 2025 the year you aim high and see how meaningful the journey becomes.
“People wait for the perfect conditions to start but starting is the perfect condition”
