The hardest thing about yearly goals is that they are too broad. It’s lovely to have a far-reaching goal, but unless we divide it up into little do-able bites, a lofty goal remains unachievable. So this year, why not:

• Set a goal for each area of your life that can be achieved in one, two, or five years. This becomes your long range plan
• Divide up each goal with a monthly action plan. What step can you take this month and actually achieve?
• Once a month sit down with your goal list and see how much progress you have made
• Make sure to consult with an expert, if you need help to make do-able goals

You can help your kids also set goals. The goals should be for things like improving math, learning sight words, learning a skill such as riding a bicycle or jumping rope. Then:

• Talk to them about practice and what they can do each week.
• At the end of each week talk to them about what they did that week and involve them in the action plan.
• At the end of the month sit down and celebrate wins or set up a more achievable plan.

Doing this sets in motion a goal setting plan they can use throughout their lives. Remember, they will also have long term goals like college or a career they love. Teach them how to live in the moment but set a course for the future.