10-Minute Goals: A Simple Strategy for Parents and Children to Thrive
Achieving More with Tiny Steps
Dear Guardians of Future Heroes,
Creating Goals for a Brighter Year
Every year, a group of my writing friends and I gather to set goals for the new year. It’s one of my favorite traditions. We share planners, show off our new gel pens, choose our "word of the year," recommend favorite books, and brainstorm exciting ideas for the months ahead.
This year, however, my outlook seemed cloudy. A recent breast cancer diagnosis left me uncertain about what lay ahead. How could I set meaningful goals when my surgery and subsequent chemotherapy loomed on the horizon? Would I even have the energy to write?
Thankfully, my mentor, Shaunta Grimes, shared her belief in incrementation: the idea that writing for just 10 minutes a day can result in completing a book within a year. Her wisdom brought a ray of sunshine into my otherwise gloomy forecast.
Inspired by this approach, I decided to break my goals into bite-sized tasks. Writing, doing one household chore, and reading for 10 minutes each day seemed manageable. Even on my worst days, these small efforts felt achievable. Suddenly, my enthusiasm bloomed. Small, realistic goals brought promise and possibility back into my life.
What Does This Have to Do with Parenting?
Maria Montessori once said,
"The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn."
I remember a little student who joined my Grade 1 classroom trembling with fear. He struggled with learning challenges and knew he was behind his peers. I reassured him that we’d start where he left off, and he could learn at his own pace. Together, we set tiny, achievable goals to avoid overwhelm. Every learning experience was made fun, and we paused whenever he felt discouraged. With consistent encouragement, his confidence grew, and in no time, he was learning to read.
This approach—breaking big tasks into small, manageable steps—works wonders for children and adults alike.
Helping Your Child Set Goals
As Bill Copeland wisely noted,
"The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never score."
To help your child set meaningful goals:
1. Discuss Expectations Together: Talk about what you expect, what your child wants, and how you can work together to achieve these goals.
2. Create a Rewards System: Encourage your child to choose their own rewards for completing tasks. This fosters motivation and accountability.
3. Make a Goal Chart: Draw up a simple table with columns for tasks, time allotments, and progress markers like stickers or checkmarks. As a gift, I’ve created a customizable goal chart in three colors—click "File" and "Make a Copy" to personalize it for your family.
Overcoming Resistance
Convincing a reluctant child to set goals can be challenging. Here’s a simple strategy:
Ask your child, “Are you willing to do homework for just 5 minutes a day?” Five minutes feels manageable, and once they start, they might find it easier to continue. After the 5 minutes, reward them with a treat like playtime, a favorite snack, or screen time.
As their confidence grows, gradually extend the time. For example, you could say, “You worked for 7 minutes yesterday. How about trying 10 today? I know you can do it!” Incremental progress builds confidence and minimizes overwhelm.
I used a similar approach with my daughter, who was a "ninja" at avoiding chores like taking out the garbage. By splitting tasks—recycling in the morning and garbage in the evening—the workload seemed halved, making it easier and less daunting.
The Power of Incrementation
Incrementation is a simple yet powerful way to achieve goals. By focusing on tiny steps, the seemingly insurmountable mountain becomes climbable. This method fosters habits that stick and offers the satisfaction of steady progress.
As I look ahead to the new year, I feel hopeful. Life may lead me down uncharted paths, but I’ll face them one step—or one star—at a time.
Wishing you a year filled with children’s laughter, warm snuggles, and starry nights.
Together in your journey,
Susie