Setting and achieving goals helps kids (and grown-ups) build self-esteem — and teaches perseverance, too. When children set goals, it helps them practice executive function skills like planning.

Why do some employees do better than others? According to goal-setting theory, one reason is that they have better, clearer goals. These goals guide their behavior towards better workplace output.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Caroline Castrillon covers career, entrepreneurship and women at work. This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more. This ...

If you want to have a great year, you’ll boost your likelihood of success by setting goals. And using goal setting theory, specifically, is the best way to ensure you achieve all that you aspire to.