Navigating New Year's Resolutions: A Teen's Guide to Setting and Achieving New Year Goals

- James Stevenson (MSc, IEA) - Positive Psychology Coach

The story of every new year is written with dreams and resolutions. It's something magical, the prospect of a fresh year ahead, filled with endless possibilities.

The idea of new year's resolutions is especially relevant for teenagers who are navigating their way through adolescence. The new year is often seen as a time of renewal and an opportunity to make positive changes. So, let's delve into the realm of new year’s resolutions for teens.

The Power of Positive Change

Teenagers are at a unique stage in life where they have the power to dramatically change. They hold the potential for remarkable growth and progress. In making resolutions, teens can tap into this capacity and make changes in their lives which not only improve their present but also positively impact their future.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

The development of a growth mindset can be especially effective in adolescence when so much comparison with peers goes on while identity takes shape. The idea here is to understand that ability and intelligence are not fixed, they are developed.

A growth mindset leads to embracing failures as learning in action, and provides a buffer lessening the likelihood of uncomfortable feelings like becoming disheartened. It enables people to face and move through these feelings more quickly, not letting their impact fester.

Rohn - character isn't something you were born with and can't change, like your fingerprints. It's something you weren't born with and must take responsibility for forming character quote

When this doesn't happen, a way of life designed to avoid the risk of such feelings takes shape, and growth is sadly halted severely. Instead, a tendency toward lying, scheming, hiding, denial, and the like is cultivated.

With a growth mindset, whether or not a resolution is achieved becomes secondary, the progress drivers, the changeable levers, effort, spirit, attitude, strategies, become the victories.

The Ripple Effect of Positive Growth

When teenagers begin to realize their potential and power, a remarkable ripple effect can begin. As teens adopt new habits, it often influences their peers as well. This ripple effect can impact their surroundings, even those who just notice from afar. The power of one person changing, especially in a surprising way, can be immense. This is why it's important to leave no child behind in our efforts.

Fun Resolutions for Teenagers

Remember, resolutions need not always be serious, boring goals, more akin to chores. They can also be fun things you always wanted to try. Here are some fun resolutions teens can consider:

- Join an interesting class outside of school
- Learn to play a musical instrument or a new game
- Start a blog or a YouTube channel
- Visit a new place in your city every school holiday
- Try a new hairstyle every month

Einstein - creativity is intelligence having fun quote

Educational Resolutions

Resolutions can also revolve around academic improvements or learning new skills. Some good new year goals for teenagers in this category could be:

- Improve grades in a specific subject
- Learn a new language
- Start reading more books
- Improve writing skills
- Learn to design a website

Promoting Kindness and Wellness

One of the best teen new years resolutions could be to promote kindness and wellness. This can also align with the sentiment of promoting well-being for teens and fostering healthy habits. Here are some suggestions:

- Volunteer in the community
- Start a regular exercise routine
- Practice mindfulness or meditation
- Limit screen time
- Adopt a regular sleep schedule

Emerson - what lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us quote

Building Confidence and Personal Growth

Teen years are a great time for personal growth and developing self-confidence. Resolutions can be a big boost in these areas. Some resolutions to consider are:

- Speak up more in class
- Join a public speaking or drama club
- Start a personal project
- Apply for a part-time job or internship

Resolutions related to Family and Friendships

Relationships with family and friends are very important during teenage years. Here are some resolutions that can help strengthen these relationships.

- Spend quality time with family every week
- Foster new friendships
- Think of positive compliments to give to friends each day and choose one
- Write a letter of gratitude to someone every month
- Commit to less gossip and more seeing the strengths of others

Emerson - The only way to have a friend is to be one quote

Staying Organized

Organizational skills are crucial not only in teenage years but also later in life. This could be a life skill teens can aim to develop with their new year’s resolutions.

- Start using a planner or an app to keep track of assignments and events
- Clean and organize a specific space (like your desk or closet) every month
- Spend 10 minutes daily tidying up your space

Aligning Aspirations: Crafting Resolutions with Meaning

Encourage your teen to choose their own New Year's resolution. If they can align resolutions with their interests and aspirations, it will have a stronger motivational effect. Try to ensure that the resolutions aren't just chosen to keep the adults happy.

Ikeda - fulfilment and daring to challenge difficulties quote

Resolutions are not just about reaching the destination, but also enjoying the journey towards it. Treat every step as a small victory and a cause for celebration.

Embracing Imperfection: Encouraging Teens on the Journey

As a caregiver, teacher, or an adult figure, remember to be supportive and encouraging. Keep the conversation open and ensure them that it’s okay not to be perfect.

Start with small, doable steps that lead to bigger changes. Encouraging fun resolutions alongside serious ones will help keep the enthusiasm alive. And don't forget to celebrate every small achievement, big or small.

Fostering Passion and Responsibility Through Personal Resolutions

The new year, with its promise of 365 new chances, symbolizes hope and offers an opportunity for teens to write their own journey of growth and discovery.

Hill - Your big opportunity might be right where you are now quote

Starting this journey with personal resolutions allows teens to be passionate about their own growth. It gives them a sense of responsibility for their actions and a better understanding of themselves.

Adopting a positive approach toward self-improvement, and encouraging the same, can have transformative effects. Not just in their own lives, but also in their circles, schools, and communities.

Cultivating Realism and Resilience in Teen Resolutions

Help them set realistic goals and understand the value of patience. Let them know that setbacks are also a part of the journey towards success. Deciphering between giving up and the need for change in strategy or approach is an invaluable lesson new year’s resolutions can teach.

Helen Keller - Character can not be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved quote

As former first lady Michelle Obama said, “You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once. But don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious, and hope can take on a life of its own."

Next Steps: Setting the Stage for Future Achievements

In conclusion, new year's resolutions are not just about setting goals but they are a way to cultivate a mindset of growth, resilience, and positivity. Their purpose is to propel us forward, make us more focused, and help us enjoy our journey towards self-improvement.

So, go ahead, challenge yourself, empower your new year with resolutions that resonate with your heart, and don't forget to have fun along the way. After all, teenage years are the time for exploration, learning, and experience. So, here's to an invigorating, empowering, and fabulous new year!