Lifeskills Through Games - Goalsetting

Dr. Jeyakar Vedamanickam, after a rich career in the Aeronautical industry had a stint as an academic as the Director of the Xavier Business School in Bangalore. He has authored a book for parents, Sculpting Angels: Parenting Lessons to Foster Creativity in Children. He conducts workshops on Creativity and Innovation, Behavioural Economics and Risk Management for executives and on Parenting for Creativity for parents.

- Dr. Jeyakar Vedamanickam

In the previous episode of this serialised feature, we saw the importance of making tough choices. This episode focusses on Goalsetting and describes how children can be encouraged to set goals and work towards these goals.

Raj had just returned from Mumbai. ‘Here’s a brooch for you,’ he said, fishing out the piece from his suitcase.

Taj had a good collection of brooches. ‘Thanks’, she whispered as she carefully examined the little ornament. ‘Wow … It’s so cute ... Will go well with my blue dress,’ and continued, ‘But, why this gift for me? It’s not my birthday or something.’

Raj worked as a helicopter salesman for a large aircraft company. ‘An order for two helicopters was concluded in the negotiations this morning,’ responded Raj.

‘With this order-booking, I’ve reached my target for this year. To celebrate this success, I picked up this trinket for you.’ ‘Why, a gift for me to celebrate your success? You’ve worked hard to meet your target. Should it not be you who receives a reward for the same?’

Raj smiled. ‘I’ve already received my reward, full and complete. The pride I take and the joy of accomplishment that I derive by meeting the target is my reward. Giving you a gift to celebrate this success, etches a memory for me to cherish this moment the rest of my life. Don’t worry, the brooch cost me less than my lunch.’

Shama, who had heard her Mom hoo-ha over her brooch, had dropped the text book she was reading and arrived on the scene. ‘Why not a gift for me, Dad? A gift for me will also fetch a memory for you,’ argued Shama.