Introduction:
In this activity, we will focus on setting specific “Effort Goals” that will help you improve in areas that are important to you. Unlike outcome goals, which focus on the end result (like getting an “A” on a test), effort goals are about the actions and hard work you commit to on a regular basis. By setting and working towards effort goals, you can make steady progress and develop a stronger growth mindset.
Objectives:
- Understand the difference between effort goals and outcome goals.
- Identify areas where you want to improve and set specific effort goals.
- Develop a plan to achieve your effort goals through consistent actions.
- Reflect on your progress and adjust your goals as needed.
Activity Instructions:
Step 1: Understanding Effort Goals
- Discussion: Start by discussing the difference between effort goals and outcome goals.
- Effort Goals: Focus on the actions you take, such as “I will practice the piano for 30 minutes every day” or “I will read for 20 minutes each night.”
- Outcome Goals: Focus on the results, such as “I will get an A on my math test” or “I will win the soccer game.”
- Why Effort Goals Matter: Effort goals are important because they are within your control. While you can’t always control the outcome, you can control the effort you put in, and this consistent effort leads to improvement and success.
Step 2: Identify Areas for Improvement
- Reflection: Take a few minutes to think about areas in your life where you want to improve. This could be related to school, hobbies, sports, or personal development.
- Examples: “I want to get better at math,” “I want to improve my basketball skills,” “I want to become a better reader,” or “I want to be more organized.”
- List Your Areas: Write down two or three areas where you would like to see improvement. These will be the focus of your effort goals.
Step 3: Set Your Effort Goals
- Goal Setting: For each area of improvement you identified, set a specific effort goal. Make sure your goals are clear, measurable, and achievable.
- Example Effort Goals:
- Math: “I will complete 5 extra math problems each day to practice.”
- Basketball: “I will practice free throws for 20 minutes every evening.”
- Reading: “I will read one chapter of a book every night before bed.”
- Organization: “I will spend 10 minutes each evening organizing my desk and school materials.”
- Example Effort Goals:
- Write Your Goals: Write down your effort goals in your journal or on a piece of paper where you can see them daily.
Step 4: Create an Effort Goal Plan
- Action Plan: Develop a plan for how you will achieve your effort goals. Consider the following:
- When: Decide on a specific time each day when you will work on your effort goals.
- How Long: Determine how much time you will dedicate to each goal daily.
- Tracking Progress: Choose a method for tracking your progress, such as a checklist, calendar, or journal entry. This will help you stay accountable and see your improvement over time.
Step 5: Monitor and Reflect
- Daily/Weekly Check-Ins: At the end of each day or week, reflect on your effort. Did you stick to your plan? What progress have you made? How do you feel about the effort you put in?
- Adjust if Needed: If you find that you’re struggling to meet your effort goals, consider adjusting them to make them more manageable. The key is to keep progressing, even if it means taking smaller steps.
Step 6: Celebrate Your Progress
- Recognition: Celebrate your effort and the progress you’ve made, regardless of the outcome. Whether you met all your goals or just one, recognize the hard work you’ve put in.
- Sharing: If you’re comfortable, share your effort goals and progress with a friend, family member, or classmate. Encouragement and support from others can motivate you to keep going.
Example Effort Goals Plan:
Area of Improvement: Writing Skills
Effort Goal: “I will write in my journal for 15 minutes every day.”
When: Every evening after dinner.
Tracking Progress: I will mark each day I write in my journal on a calendar.
Reflection: At the end of each week, I will review what I wrote and identify areas where I’ve improved or where I still need more practice.
Area of Improvement: Fitness
Effort Goal: “I will do 20 push-ups and 20 sit-ups every morning.”
When: Every morning before school.
Tracking Progress: I will keep a fitness log where I record how many push-ups and sit-ups I complete each day.
Reflection: I will check my progress at the end of each week to see how my strength is improving and adjust my routine if needed.
Online Resources for Further Information:
- SMART Goals for Kids – A guide to helping kids create Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals.
- Big Life Journal: Goal Setting for Kids – Tips and activities for helping children set and achieve their goals.
- Mindset Kit: Developing Effort Goals – Tools and resources for developing a growth mindset and setting effort goals.
End of Activity Reflection:
- Reflect on Your Effort Goals:
- How did it feel to set effort goals instead of focusing on outcomes?
- What challenges do you think you might face in sticking to your effort goals?
- How do you plan to overcome these challenges and stay motivated?
- Write down your thoughts and share them with a classmate or in a group discussion.
Summary:
In this activity, we focused on setting “Effort Goals” to help us improve in areas that are important to us. By setting specific, actionable goals and committing to them, we can make steady progress and develop a growth mindset. Remember, effort is within your control, and by putting in consistent effort, you can achieve your goals and continue growing. Keep working on your effort goals, track your progress, and celebrate the hard work you’re putting into becoming the best version of yourself!
