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).
STRATEGIES FOR TEACHERS (Support the pupils to)
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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).
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Determine the goal, The first step to achieve a goal is to identify one precisely.
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Carefully clarify the goal: ask the child to focus and write why he wants to achieve that goal.
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Define specific goals
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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).
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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.