Teaching Your Emerging Adult How to Plan for the Future: Setting Goals and Achieving Dreams

Because it’s a time when they begin to explore their passions, aspirations, and identities, the transition from adolescence to adulthood is a crucial period of time. It’s a phase marked by significant decisions about education, career paths, relationships, and personal development. As a parent or guardian, you play a vital role in guiding your emerging adult through the process of setting goals and achieving their dreams. Without doing for them what they can and should be doing for themselves, your role is to come up alongside them and cheer them on.

Helping emerging adults plan for the future not only empowers them to take control of their lives but equips them with the tools to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Goal-setting is an essential skill, providing direction and motivation. For emerging adults, setting goals helps clarify what they want to achieve and outlines the steps necessary to reach those objectives. Goals can range from short-term (such as completing a college course), to long-term, like starting a business or buying a home. Teaching your emerging adult how to set and pursue goals effectively is crucial for their personal and professional growth.

To help them plan for the future, you may want to consider guiding them through a structured goal-setting process. Here are some key steps:

Encourage Self-Reflection

Encourage your emerging adult to think about their interests, values, strengths, and passions. Understanding themselves better will help them set goals that align with their true desires and aspirations.

• Ask Reflective Questions:
• Pose questions like, "What are you passionate about?" or "What do you see yourself doing in five years?" to help them clarify their ambitions.
• Identify Core Values:
• Discuss their core values and how these can guide their decisions and goals. Share with them the strengths you see in them.
• Explore Strengths and Weaknesses:
• Encourage them to identify their own strengths and areas for growth, which can inform their goal-setting process.

Break Goals into Manageable Steps

Large goals can feel overwhelming, so it's important to break them down into smaller, manageable steps. This approach not only makes goals more achievable but also provides a clear path forward.

• Create Action Plans:
• Help your emerging adult develop a step-by-step plan that outlines what needs to be done, when, and how. For example, if the goal is to secure an internship, the steps might include updating a resume, networking, and applying to positions.
• Set Milestones:
• Encourage setting short-term milestones that can be celebrated along the way. These milestones help maintain motivation and provide opportunities to reassess progress.

Encourage Flexibility and Resilience

While having a plan is important, it’s equally crucial to remain flexible and resilient. Life can be unpredictable, and goals may need to be adjusted based on new circumstances or challenges.

• Embrace Adaptability:
• Teach your emerging adult to view setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures. Flexibility allows them to pivot and find new paths to achieve their goals.
• Develop a Growth Mindset:
• Encourage a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities to grow and develop new skills.

Monitor Progress and Celebrate Successes

Tracking progress and celebrating achievements, no matter how small, is vital for maintaining motivation and momentum.

• Regular Check-ins:
• Schedule regular check-ins to discuss their progress, challenges, and any adjustments needed. This helps them stay on track and feel supported.
• Celebrate Milestones:
• Acknowledge and celebrate when they reach a milestone. Whether it’s a small reward or a simple recognition, celebrating successes reinforces positive behavior and keeps them motivated.

Helping your emerging adult plan for the future by teaching them how to set goals and achieve their dreams is one of the most impactful ways you can support them during this transitional phase of life.

 By guiding them through self-reflection, teaching them to set SMART goals, breaking goals into manageable steps, and fostering resilience and flexibility, you equip them with the tools they need to navigate adulthood successfully. Your ongoing support and encouragement will empower them to pursue their aspirations with confidence and determination, paving the way for a fulfilling and purposeful future.