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.

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.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Jess Cording is a dietitian and health coach who covers wellness. How many times have you set a goal because you felt it was the ...