Isabella’s Goal to see Ashton

 Isabella’s Goal

“Mom, I miss Ashton,” Isabella said as she slumped in the chair. “I want to visit her.”

“It will cost at least  $500 for the airplane ticket.”

A light shone in her eyes. “What if I pay for half the ticket. Could I go then?”

“If you can find the money for half the ticket, I’m sure I can find the money for the other half,” I replied. But I was thinking it would take a couple of years for a six-year-old to save $250.

Nonetheless, Isabella decided that she would visit Ashton in 10 months. For her birthday and Christmas, she asked for money that she could put toward her trip instead of presents.

She looked for opportunities.  Every time she entered a car she would scan the floor of the back seat. If she found a quarter, she would ask, “Can I have this quarter I found on the floor? I’m saving to visit my best friend in Arkansas.” The drivers wouldn’t even know a quarter was on the floor. They all replied, “Yes.”

In six months, Isabella had saved her half of the airplane ticket. She has set a seemingly impossible goal for a seven-year-old, but she accomplished it.

Goal Setting Steps

Here were her steps, and they can be yours, whatever your age and goal:

1. Setting a goal – To visit her best friend.
2. Problem-solving – She came up with the idea to split the cost with her mother.
3. Making a plan – To save all of her money.
4. Commitment -  She didn’t spending her money on candy or toys but she saved it for an airplane ticket.
5. Focus – She knew what she wanted, and she didn’t let anything stop her from achieving her goal.
6. Persistence – She kept asking for help. People wanted to help her realize her goal.
7. Achievement – She realized her dream at the age of seven when she walked on the airplane all by herself to visit her best friend. 

What is a goal your child wants to achieve? Sit down and follow these simple steps to help him/her set a goal and achieve it. You will be surprised what your child can do.

After your have set a goal have your child make a comment. Then as he/she accomplishes steps, have them make more comments. It will help them be accountable and it will be fun for them to see their comments on the web.