And, just like that, it's 2025! Statistics say that many of the “Resolutions” which were set for this year have already been abandoned. I encourage you to revisit one of your goals and tweak it slightly. For example, if your goal is to eat healthier, what does that really mean? How do you measure your success? Instead, for the rest of the month, commit to eating one clementine per day. You might find you like it and keep doing it. If you want to spend more quality time with your children, commit to sharing a highlight of your day before you begin eating a meal.
To help your kids learn to set their own goals, teach them about SMART GOALS. It is a life-long skill.
Specific. If your child enjoys playing basketball and wants to be more successful at free throw shots, what does that mean? Make 1 out of every 25 throw shots? Make 7 out of every 10 shots? The goal needs to be more specific.
Measurable. To measure the progress of reaching the free throw shot goal, your child can keep a calendar and track how many free throw shots were made of 10 shots attempted.
Attainable. Is your child’s goal attainable? If your child just began playing basketball, making a single shot might be great. However, if you child has been playing basketball for a few years, making 1 or 2 out of 25 shots might be too low.
Relevant. Why is this goal important to your child? What will the success of this goal provide to your child? Help your child define a benefit to the goal. For free throw shots, it can make a difference between a win and a loss. Those single points can certainly add up!
Time-bound. To help your child stay focused on the goal, set a date to achieve the goal. For example, grab a calendar and pick a date 30 days from today’s date. In those 30 days, how often should your child practice free throw shots? When and where can your child practice?
It might be fun to search about some players who were great at free throw shots, like Larry Bird. Your child might enjoy learning that even though Larry Bird became a legend, his path to success was filled with obstacles, but he persevered. There are also videos online that can teach about form. Free throw shots are also a great way for your child to learn about concentration. Like SMART goals, basketball is a lifelong skill.
Like the legend Larry Bird, you, your child, and all of us can persevere and reach our goals. Let us all THRIVE in 2025!
