Set SMART New Year’s Resolutions
The problem with New Year’s resolutions is that it can be very discouraging when you fail to keep them. If you have set resolutions that you’ve not kept, you’re not alone. In fact, only 9% of Americans keep their resolution each year, while almost a quarter quit within the first week.
Have you ever set goals that seemed impossible to attain? Have you found it challenging to keep your resolutions beyond the first few weeks or months? If you’re helping kids set resolutions, you don’t want them to be discouraged by the process and have a bad taste in their mouths for setting resolutions in the future. The key is to set SMART New Year’s resolutions.
SMART is an acronym that stands for Smart, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. It’s a guide for how to prepare for successful goals.
1) Set Specific Resolutions
One of the first things one should do when setting a New Year's resolution is to make sure it is specific. It increases the likelihood that your kids will struggle to follow through with the resolution if it is merely something general like "read more."
When will you carry this out? What frequency? What time is it? Where? How will you monitor your progress? Who will hold you responsible? Start by helping your kids address these questions to create a detailed strategy.
2) Set Measurable Resolutions
Now that you have some specific goals in mind, you want to make sure there are ways for your kids to measure their success. If, for example, your kid’s broad goal is to become a better reader, they can do so by reading more often.
You might, then, help them set a goal of reading one book a week or two books a month that are not assigned for school. You can measure that resolution by the number of books read, whether the goal was met or exceeded, or what you can do to help them read more to meet the measurable goal.
If your child wants to improve in a sport, you can set measurable goals like the number of practice minutes, drills learned, skills mastered, etc.
3) Set Attainable Resolutions
A resolution or goal must be realistic and attainable. It can be a stretch, but if it's impossible, it will just be discouraging. Setting a goal to become an Olympic marathoner is going to be impossible to achieve in a year, but being able to go from the couch to a half-marathon is reasonable and attainable for many.
If your child wants to become an actor or performance artist, you might help them set a resolution to join a performance program. You can measure their resolution by their attendance at rehearsals, success in learning lines, pieces, etc. This is a great way to help introduce your child to theater.
4) Set Relevant Goals
If your child’s resolution is not relevant to them, they’re much less likely to follow through. If you are not interested in the subject of the resolution, you’re going to have difficulty grinding through its completion.
Of course, your child might not know what they’re missing if they don’t explore new things. You might work with them to set a resolution to experience one new activity per month or a certain number in a year. This would be a great way for your kid to see the benefits of participating in performing arts.
Participating in the performing arts helps prevent kids from losing the best parts of childhood. Theater, music, and dance reinforce the joy, optimism, and morality your kids need to be likable grown-ups. By the time they reach their college years and beyond, they are accustomed to teamwork and people depending on each other, so they are ready for the modern workforce.
5) Set Time-Bound Resolutions
When New Year’s Resolutions are time-bound, you can track and assess their success. A measurable goal might be reading twelve books per year, but if your child waits until December to begin reading, they may not complete their resolution.
Resolve to Try Performing Arts at Asheville Performing Arts Academy
Asheville Performing Arts Academy is ready to respond to your questions if you're prepared to examine if your child should start engaging in the performing arts. We provide a wide range of programs during the year, as well as summer camps to help students discover and develop a passion for the performing arts. For individuals who are prepared to move up to the next level, we also offer advanced alternatives.
APAA is a great option for kids who want to resolve to learn new things while making friends and finding new passions. Contact us today for more information about how your child will thrive by participating in the performing arts.