Every young person carries within them a quiet dream — a spark of curiosity, a wish, or a vision of who they might become. When children and youth learn to dream, plan, and act on their own goals, they discover one of life’s greatest joys: becoming the author of their own story.

Young people build perseverance (aka grit) through purposeful challenge, self-regulation, fair feedback, and practice—not talent alone. Teachers can help them grow perseverance by modeling effort, scaffolding struggle, and celebrating progress.

Goals turn intention into action. Schools are ideal places to teach goal-setting, self-regulation, and persistence so young people can own their learning and celebrate progress.