Recently I have found myself having similar conversations with parents in regards to their son or daughter’s lack of ambition or drive. I can totally understand why any parent would have this worry. Often in these conversations it is also revealed that their child doesn’t pursue hobbies, may not reach out to friends or simply let’s time pass them by.
So the question remains, “How do you instill ambition in your teen?”
Adolescence can be a very confusing time, teens are figuring out who they are, what values they believe in and many are confused about their future, and understandably so. How many of us knew, without a shadow of a doubt what we wanted to do with our lives at 15? Some adults still don’t know.
We could sit and discuss different goal setting techniques and visioning that I use myself. But… my question to you, the leader of your family is:
How often do you set goals and discuss them with your family?
As the leader of your family, your teen can learn so much through you and your pursuit of a new goal. Share your goals with them, whether it is weight-loss, learning a new skill or a hobby. Create a plan, and share your experience as you work towards your goal and include him or her in the process. Not only will you teach your teen the importance of goal-setting, you will teach them about working through challenges and fear, the importance of having a support system, how to cope with failures and set-backs and readjusting the end goal when needed. As the leader of your family you must be the example.
So instead of feeling like you are struggling and pushing your teen to set goals. Include him or her in your own goals and pursuits. Make it a family affair, and who knows, perhaps they will find the inspiration to set their own goals. I would love to hear about how you have included your family in the pursuit of personal and family goals.
I will leave with words of inspiration by C.S. Lewis: “You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream”.
Much love,
Andrea Zacharias
