Setting Goals and Making a Change

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Setting Goals and Making a Change

We all have had the experience of setting a goal and working through the steps to accomplish that goal. People set goals that have a variety of timelines: the goal for the day, the week, the year, or beyond. Whatever the timeline may be, many of our goals are based on a desire to make a change in our lives.  

The Professional Development Program (PDP) training “Motivating and Engaging Youth” explores the stages a person goes through as they make a change and work towards a goal. Using the Prochaska and DiClemete “Stages of Change Model”, this training explores the following stages:

  • Pre-contemplation: Not currently considering change
  • Contemplation: Ambivalent about change and “sitting on the fence”
  • Preparation: Has some experience with change and are trying to change by “testing the waters”
  • Action: Practicing new behavior for 3-6 months
  • Maintenance: Continued commitment to sustain new behavior
  • Relapse: Resuming old behaviors

This model focuses on behavioral changes and may be applied to the process youth may navigate when setting and working towards a goal.  This training explores these stages and offers techniques to support a youth working towards change. 

Setting a goal can be overwhelming and youth may need support. The PDP training “Life Skills Toolbox” explores the S.M.A.R.T Goal technique.  A goal requires actions, timeframes, and a measurement that helps youth know when the goal has been achieved.  S.M.A.R.T goals are:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Action-Oriented
  • Realistic
  • Time Limited

Whether a youth is making a change or setting a goal, there are many strategies that can be used to support youth through the process.

For more information and support, reach out to the Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) in your region and check out these PDP trainings: