When we teach children how to set and achieve goals, and how to apply these principles to their school work, they learn how to take more ownership of their education. They learn how they play a significant role in their education and in their future. By learning how to set and achieve goals, how to overcome challenges, the importance of being positive, and how to measure their progress, children learn how to enhance and increase their chances for success.

In order for your child to "buy into" the setting goals principles you will have to help them answer three questions: "why is this important","how to", and "how do I use this today to make my life (and the lives of those around me) better."

Simply telling a child they need to set goals is not enough in this rapid-paced MTV world. It is important to get them involved by using open-ended, discussion-stimulating questions that gives them an opportunity to express themselves while you guide or facilitate the discussion. Possible topics for discussion:

1. Discuss the key elements of setting goals and give your child samples and practice.
2. Discuss the importance of minimizing the "Bummer Words" words - "no, can't, won't, never, maybe, and if.
3. Assist in a discussion on how to develop an "I'll Make It Happen" attitude for school work and for life.
4. Breakdown the goal setting discussion into small parts and discuss over several sessions. (i.e. What is Success, Principles of Goal Setting, Samples & Practice, Investing in Yourself, Measuring Your Progress, Meeting the Challenges, How to Get Started, and Summary.
5. Facilitate a discussion how your child can improve their self image, take more responsibility, and eliminate excuses.
6. Discuss how they define success - now and five years from now.
7. Help your child understand the five ways to measure their progress toward reaching their goal.
8. Help them identify some potential roadblocks they may encounter in reaching their goals and how to overcome them.
9. In today's world there are plenty of people who belong to the "it's all about me" club. Facilitate a discussion about the importance of helping others.
10. Together develop a checklist of ten items to keep your child focused on how to implement goal setting principles in their lives.

Having your child understand these principles should have a positive impact on personal decision making, sense of purpose, school engagement, family communications, positive peer pressure, and higher self esteem. Children who know how to set and achieve goals realize that there will be challenges in their path, but they will not allow them to be insurmountable roadblocks to their future.