New Year’s SMART Goals for Youth Sports

A new year typically has most people thinking about new goals and resolutions, but New Year’s resolutions don’t just have to be for adults. Taking the time to teach your kid about goal setting can help them to grow and develop in a variety of areas and will also help them be more successful down the road.  

How Kids Can Use WOW and SMART Goals in Sports 

Your child can use the WOW and SMART methods to help define their goals. WOW stands for “Within One Week.” If your child can add the phrase “Within One Week, I will…” in front of their short-term goal, then they’ve set an attainable, well-defined goal.WOW goals are typically short goals, but several WOW goals can sometimes be used to help to achieve a long-term goal.  

Long-Term Goal Setting with SMART 

Long-term goals can be defined using the SMART method.

• Specific: The goal is detailed and exact. The goal should address who, what, when, where, why and how. Ask your child to answer each of these questions to ensure that they’ve clearly defined their goal.
• Measurable: Your child should determine a way measure their progress so that they can know exactly when they have met their goal.
• Attainable: Goals should be realistic and within your child’s reach in the time frame they have defined.
• Relevant: The goal your child chooses should be something that is important to them right now. Choosing a goal that is relevant will help keep your child motivated to achieve.
• Timely: Establish a time frame in which the goal will be met. Time can be defined in terms of weeks, months or even a year. Having your child set a “due date” for their goal can help keep them committed to working towards the goal.

Download the printable worksheet and help your child set a long-term SMART goal for 2019!