My Goals and Motivation (Teens)
A teen goal-setting worksheet linking personal goals to reasons, first steps and deadlines, with barriers and supporters.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Goal setting · Motivation
- Approach / concern
- Teens (13-18)
- Technique
- Goal setting · Motivation
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the My Goals and Motivation (Teens)?
Autonomous, personally meaningful goals improve motivation in adolescents. Breaking goals into small steps supports follow-through.
Why it works
Motivational interviewing emphasizes the person’s own reasons for change (Miller & Rollnick, 2013). Adolescents benefit from autonomy-supportive relationships (Steinberg, 2001).
When to use it
- Low motivation
- School engagement
- Teens in transition
- Coaching and counselling
How to use it in session
- Choose goals.
- Explore reasons.
- Set first steps.
- Identify barriers.
- Find supporters.
Clinician tips
- Let teens lead.
- Keep steps tiny.
- Celebrate effort.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
What if my goals are different from my parents’?
That’s common; it can help to talk about both openly.
How do I stay motivated?
Small steps, tracking progress and having a cheerleader all help.
References
Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2013). Motivational interviewing: Helping people change (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
Steinberg, L. (2001). We know some things: Parent-adolescent relationships in retrospect and prospect. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 11(1), 1-19.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
