The beginning of a new year is always the perfect time to reflect on past 4-H year and set new goals to truly “make the best better”.
Making your goals SMART can help you outline exactly what needs to be done to achieve success.
We begin this journey by asking ourselves – What can be a goal that would lead to success?
Have you ever struggled with answering that question? Have you tried using our 4-H pledge to guide you through ideas that may lead you to a goal?
Let’s start with “My HEAD to clearer thinking”.
4-Hers dedicate time learning about topics that interest them. They also develop decision-making and leadership skills throughout the 4-H year.
These goals could be:
- Something you’d like to learn
- A new skill you’d like to develop
- A way to use your leadership or communication skills
Jot down your big ideas.
Now let’s focus on “My HEART to greater loyalty”.
Loyalty means being faithful to your commitments, obligations, and relationships. Building positive relationships is an important part of the 4-H experience. You may not have set a goal about relationships before but doing so can help you be more mindful and intentional about building healthy relationships.
Your HEART SMART goal might be:
- A way you’d like to improve relationships
- Setting up quality time or experiences with family or friends
- Following through with your responsibilities
Jot down your big ideas.
Furthermore, we can use “My HANDS to larger service”.
Serving others in our community is something that all 4-Hers strive to do.
This goal could be:
- How can you use your passions to better your community
- What are some needs in your community
- A community service project you’d like to complete
- How you can mentor someone younger
- Ways that you can show kindness every day
Jot down some big ideas.
Finally, let’s focus on “My HEALTH to better living”.
4-Hers learn about how to live a healthy life. This includes topics such as nutrition, exercise, mental health, and healthy decision-making.
SMART Goals related to health could be:
- A health habit you’d like to develop
- Exercise or nutrition goal
- Mindfulness practice
What ideas come to mind?
You now probably have a good list of big ideas of goals that you could make for the new year. Circle one. Now let’s make this one big ideal into a SMART goal.
Answer the following questions about your big idea:
Specific — what specific steps are needed
Measurable — how many – how often
Attainable — evaluate if your schedule will allow you to do this
Relevant — does it help you achieve larger goals – align with your values
Time-bound — when do you want to reach this goal
You did it! You now have a SMART goal for the new year!
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