You may want to make the most of your teenage years. Living seriously in this time can help develop good habits for adulthood. There are several ways to improve life as a teenager. Set goals and desires, pursue success academically and in other areas, cultivate a sense of self-worth and image, and make sure you develop positive relationships.
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Part 1 of 4: Identifying Desires and Setting Goals
Step 1. Consider your talents If you have a goal, you will be able to maximize your teenage years and create valuable memories in pursuit of your desires
There may be some things that you naturally love, or talents and abilities that you have cultivated over the years. Considering your strengths can help you align with your passions and set personal goals.
- Is there something that always feels natural to you? Remember childhood. Maybe you didn't like playing sports with other kids, but were able to sit for hours drawing in your recess. You may also always be able to complete math tests without trying too hard.
- Consider things that catch your eye, or that earn you praise from others. For example, you might enjoy taking pictures with your phone and uploading the results to Instagram. These photos may be praised by people. If so, try taking photography as a career more seriously. You can take a photography training class at a school or art center.
Step 2. Create memories by exploring things
Don't limit yourself to being a teenager. Have fun and make the most of the moment by exploring things. Join different extracurricular clubs. Try attending trainings in various fields. Read about topics that interest you, such as art, history, science, and culture. You will have so many memories that your teenage years will be precious.
- You can try something and not like it. Don't waste time doing things you hate. Keep pursuing things that make you feel happy and inspired.
- You'll also make new friends as you explore your self-interests. A solid group of friends will help create memories of your teenage years.
Step 3. Determine what inspires you
Self desire should make you feel happy and excited. Considering the things that inspire you in your daily life can help you find this self-desire. You may enjoy reading about the artists in art class, as well as a visit to the museum. This means that you enjoy studying art or its history. Take the time to spend energy on these personal desires.
Also think about the things that upset you. Often times, feelings of jealousy or frustration toward others stem from insecurity about oneself. If you're jealous of a cousin's piano concert that the family cares deeply about, this means that you may want to be more creative yourself. Consider spending time with theater or music to see if they suit you
Step 4. Set goals for yourself
After taking the time to determine what you want, determine the goals you want to achieve. Goals are important as a teenager, because they can help shape the direction of life in adulthood. Writing down goals for a particular year, semester, or season can help improve your life.
- Start by writing down abstract things. Write down some ideas about areas of your life that you would like to improve. For example, write something like, "I want to be a better writer."
- Try to narrow the goal in more concrete terms. How can you achieve some of these abstract goals? What small goals can help? For example, "I want to finish writing 20 pages this summer."
Step 5. Be specific and realistic
Specific and realistic goals are the most effective. Desires and interests are usually abstract, so when writing goals, try to define specific ways to achieve them. For example, you may be interested in animal welfare. A goal that says, "I will avoid using products that are tested on animals" is more specific than, "I will do my part to end animal cruelty."
Set a specific, concrete set of goals to achieve the bigger thing. If you want to be a writer, set goals for how many books you will read each semester, and decide to write for a few hours each night
Part 2 of 4: Developing Positive Relationships
Step 1. Develop solid friendships
Make sure you share your teenage moments with worthy people. A solid group of friends can help you learn and grow. Work on developing quality friendships to increase your sense of self-worth. That way, you have friends who can be used as a place to share memories and experiences in adolescence.
- These friends need to be supportive. They are not people who will be annoying or condescending, but support you to make good decisions. On the other hand, you should also be supportive of their wants and interests.
- The best way to find a group of friends is to get involved. Join relevant clubs according to your interests. Be social and get to know other people. Like-minded friends are important for improving life as a teenager.
Step 2. Stay away from destructive relationships
Not all relationships in this world are positive. Friends should be supportive and caring. If there's someone in your life who makes you feel bad about yourself, know that they're not the person you deserve to know. Don't let your teenage years be filled with memories of bad friendships and troubled relationships.
- Watch for signs of relationship abuse. Torture can be physical. Don't maintain a relationship with a friend who hits, kicks, or physically hurts you. However, abuse can also occur emotionally, such as teasing, bullying, threats, or intimidation.
- End unhealthy relationships. Cut off contact with someone who hurt you, both physically and emotionally, and seek support from other friends or family members. Be open about what is going on so that others can help and give advice.
Step 3. Don't give in to peer pressure
Being open and trying new things as a teenager is a good thing and is important for making the most of life. However, don't do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or safe. A true friend won't try to pressure you into doing something you don't want to do. Friendship pressure can come in many forms and generate unnecessary stress and tension. Know how to identify them and avoid these stresses.
- You may be forced to drink, smoke, or use drugs. Anyone who forces you into an unhealthy or dangerous situation is not a friend. Find friends who are supportive and understand your comfort zone.
- Friends may also encourage you to do things that are not in your personal interest. To a certain extent, having friends who can encourage you to try new things and overcome fears and insecurities is a good thing. However, if you are completely disinterested in an activity, your friends should respect your decision.
- Friendship pressure can also appear in the form of ignoring other people. There may be someone in your circle of friends who is always forgotten. Don't participate in tactics like this. Remember, you yourself must feel sad if forgotten. Don't do the same to other people.
Step 4. Find healthy romantic relationships
In your teenage years, you may be dating for the first time. Romantic relationships can be a great way to live life to the fullest and ensure a good quality of your teenage years. You can learn a lot from dating. If you want to pursue romance, make sure your relationship is fun, healthy, and profitable.
- You and your romantic partner need to be able to share things. Look for people who can be a place to talk and learn. Find a partner who makes you laugh and that you really want to meet.
- A romantic relationship is not a physical relationship. Many people experiment with sexual activity for the first time in their teens. This is a normal thing. However, don't do it until you are ready. Always use birth control and condoms to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. If your partner insists, this is not a solid romantic relationship. Leave him alone.
- Like friendships, romantic relationships can be torturous. Spouses should be supportive and loving. Anyone who hurts you, physically or emotionally, doesn't deserve to spend time with you.
Part 3 of 4: Preparing for Future Career Success
Step 1. Maintain good values
Values are critical to teen success, and you'll be satisfied if you can satisfy your intellectual curiosity. Try to maintain a high report card if you want to make the most of your life. Good grades can help you professionally as well as help you learn about yourself and your personal desires.
- Develop good study habits. Make sure you create a personal schedule for completing homework and studying for exams. Try doing homework as soon as school ends. Study in a bright area free from distractions. Turn off laptops and cell phones while you study.
- If you're having trouble with a particular subject, talk to your parents about hiring a tutor. You can also talk to teachers at school and ask for tips on improving grades in those subjects.
Step 2. Join extracurricular activities
Experience is important for finding a job and studying in a good place. Experience is also important to ensure your teenage years are memorable and enjoyable. Seeking extracurricular activities will help you to live to the fullest, in addition to maximizing your life through professional success.
- Keep your goals and desires in mind when choosing activities. If you like journalism, join the school newspaper. If you want to work in science and technology, join the school's research club. If you want to do things you enjoy, chances are you'll have more fun as a teenager.
- The teenage years can help you prepare for success later in life, so try to take on a leadership role if possible. Being the Chief Editor of the school newspaper was much more impressive than just being the author.
Step 3. Be a volunteer
Volunteering can be a good way to strengthen your resume. In addition, you can also develop a memory that lasts longer. This action can also help you to pursue your desires and interests, so that your character as a teenager will develop. Volunteer for organizations you love. Look for local nonprofits that accept volunteer vacancies. Help with school events. If you attend church, apply to volunteer there. Help political parties.
Step 4. Prepare for the interview
When pursuing a job as well as an internship program, you will face a variety of different types of interviews. Work on developing good interviewing skills as a teenager. This will increase your chances of getting a job or internship program.
- Make sure you dress appropriately. Wear something that looks professional. Avoid jeans and T-shirts, baggy pants, or excessive jewelry. Choose neat pants and a button-down shirt. Make sure your shoes are right too.
- Do some research on the company beforehand. The more you know, the more you'll look like a good fit for the job. Take the time to look at the company website before the interview.
- Use body language. Sit up straight, smile, and nod at the interviewer to show that you are listening. Ask questions at the end of the interview. Choose open-ended questions that show that you are interested in the company. For example, "What did you enjoy working here?" or "What is the work culture of this company like?"
Step 5. Find a part time job
Part-time jobs can be a good way to gain experience in your teens. In addition, many people end up having good relations with their co-workers. Even a job like delivering pizza or being a salesperson can create beautiful, long-lasting memories. You will meet peers and develop a group of friends from the work environment. Having work experience can also help you along the way as you prepare for college, then the world of work.
- You can browse online job forums for vacancies. You can also ask local businesses. Also look for job advertisements pasted in coffee shops and restaurants.
- Talk to your parents, relatives, and siblings. They may know someone who is looking for employees in your community.
- Try to find a job that you will enjoy. You probably won't get a very professional job as a teenager, but find a job that you think will be fun. For example, if you enjoy riding a bicycle, consider a job as a delivery man who uses bicycles.
Step 6. Write a curriculum vitae
If you want to pursue success, write a curriculum vitae. This list is an overview of the professional experiences you can use for work as well as internships. Gaining work experience in your teens can help you succeed later in life.
- Curriculum vitae is usually formatted using titles and bullet points in a list of educational and work experiences. The format rules must be consistent. Use a clearly legible typeface, such as Arial or Times New Roman. Writing a curriculum vitae for the first time can be difficult, so ask your school counselor for advice.
- You probably didn't have much work experience as a teenager. It does not matter. Many people who hire youth for assignments and internship programs understand that their experience is limited. Write down things like volunteer work you've done. If you have been part of a club or organization, write that down as well. Academic success may be appropriate if you are applying for an internship, so write down your grades and whether you were on the award list.
Step 7. Look for internship programs
An internship program is a good way to improve the quality of your curriculum vitae. These programs can also provide valuable memories of the teenage years. Many internships target students, but certain businesses may offer these programs specifically for teenagers.
- The internship program provides hands-on experience of working in organizations. As an intern, you will begin to learn about the professional aspects of a particular industry. You will be supervised by a group of professionals who will help you gain professional experience.
- Ask adults you know, such as teachers, parents, and school counselors, about internship locations in your area. Also visit job sites for internship programs. You may even be able to create your own internship by working for a family or friend's company.
Step 8. Get ready for the world of college
Try also to prepare for college. Things like internships, jobs, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities will prepare you for future career success. However, you should also do some research about the university.
- Look for universities within and outside the province. Learn about its reputation, faculty and culture. Choose a university with a good reputation, one that will make you feel good.
- Pay attention to the requirements. Start thinking about ways to get good marks on standardized tests so you can go to a good university.
- Ask your parents to take you to visit some campuses. This can help determine if a university is a good choice for you.
Part 4 of 4: Maintaining a Positive Mood and Self Image
Step 1. Set the mood
You'd be surprised how many different types of mood you can control. In adolescence, you will experience a series of strong emotions. You can feel sad and frustrated – this is normal and important. However, you can also try to feel happy and positive. This way, you will be better able to enjoy the experiences of your teens.
- Prepare a ritual to do when you are in a bad mood. There may be a TV show that makes you laugh, or a song you enjoy listening to. When you have a bad day, take 15 minutes to cheer yourself up.
- Look for ways to interrupt a bad mood. If you can't stop being discouraged, do something to distract yourself. Play a video game or read a book.
- If you're feeling stressed, focus on your breathing. Take a few deep breaths and watch the air go in and out of your nose and mouth. Focusing on your breath can help you stay in the present, so that stress doesn't build up too much.
Step 2. Exercise
Sport offers many advantages. Not only is exercise good for you physically, but a regular exercise regime can improve your mood. Regular exercise can help you to be in a better mental state so that you can enjoy your teenage years.
Choose a physical activity that you really enjoy. Otherwise, you likely won't continue to do so. If you enjoy riding a bicycle, try riding it for a few miles every day after school
Step 3. Edit negative thoughts
Adolescence is usually a time of insecurity. You may be bombarded with negative thoughts throughout the day, about yourself and your abilities. These feelings are normal, but don't let negative thoughts keep you from doing some activities and pursuing goals that will maximize your teen years. Try to edit these negative thoughts as they arise.
- Identify negative thoughts. Realize when you feel bad about yourself one day. If you have slipped into a negative thought pattern, make an active effort to reject and repackage the thought.
- For example, there may be someone more reliable than you at hockey practice. You may start to think, "He's so much better. I'll never be like him. I have to stop." Stop these thought patterns as they arise. Try replacing them with motivational thoughts. For example, "He's really great and inspiring. I'm lucky to have him on the team. I'm sure he can teach me something about hockey".
Step 4. Accept your strengths and weaknesses
Everyone has their own talent. You may not really like writing, but you could be great at science. Your brain may not be a match for chemical formulas, but you may be a brilliant writer. Focus on your strengths and what you love. You won't be successful at everything, and this is normal. Pursuing what you are good at and what you really care about will enable you to make the most of your teenage years. Take this time to do the things you really want.
Step 5. Deal with obstacles with struggle
Obstacles don't mean failure. The better your attitude towards obstacles, the more likely you are to bounce back and be on the right track to enjoying your teenage years. When you encounter obstacles, accept that they are part of a larger learning process. Treat rejection and obstacles as opportunities for learning and growth. If you don't score well on your chemistry test, use it as an opportunity to identify your weak points on the exam. If you fail to get accepted to an internship program in the summer, build on your experience to better your chances next year.
