HOW TO DEFINE A GOAL

Linked to the ability to define goals there is the essential ability to give "meaning" to life, a path composed of a constellation of micro-targets, a fundamental process to experience positive emotions, satisfaction for success and involvement. Our brain has evolved under the banner of activity: setting new goals and achieve them with tenacity and problem solving. The absence of goals is not in our DNA, and in fact makes us experience a deep sense of emptiness. Knowing how to give goals gives meaning to life, acting directly on well-being, increases self-esteem, makes us discover new interests and channels actions in a strategic and efficient way. Pursuing goals finally brings adults and children in contact with other people and the construction of meaningful relationships (common purpose). 

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STRATEGIES FOR TEACHERS (Support the pupils to)

1. Find out what they love or the problem they want to solve: the initial phase of the path in which we should identify our interests - if we don't already know them - through questions such as "What do I really care about?", "What do I like to think about?", The objectives of the child must be his/hers (not the reference adults). 

2. Determine the goal, The first step to achieve a goal is to identify one precisely.

3. Carefully clarify the goal: ask the child to focus and write why he wants to achieve that goal. 

4. Define specific goals 

5. Determine the time within which to achieve the goal . Long-term goals will have future deadlines compared to short-term goals, which is why it is important to "divide" long-term goals into short-term goals. (e.g. Learning to play the scales on the piano in two weeks is a specific goal with a deadline).

6. List the steps needed to reach the goal: support students in understanding how to reach their goal. For a long-term goal, you need to focus on intermediate goals that are also motivating.