The Importance of Setting Goals

The Importance of Setting Goals

By: 4-H Agent Judy Parsons

 

We have all heard the saying “if we fail to plan, we plan to fail”. This saying is so true in all aspects of our life. It is important to take the time to plan. Sometimes it is a hard task to stop and take the time to reflect and plan what goals you want to accomplish. It is never too late to set goals for yourself.

After 4-Hers select the projects that they want to participate in, it is important to make plans for what they want to do. They must set goals on what they want to learn and how they are going to accomplish those goals. What new skills do they want to learn? Each goal must be a specific plan to direct them toward a positive learning experience.

What is a goal? A goal is simply a specific plan of where you want to go and how you are going to get there. It takes creating a timeline, making sure the goals are reachable, measurable and within our control.

Each goal needs to start with a specific action of what you are going to do. Start your goals with phrases such as I want to learn, I want to make, I want to purchase, etc. These phrases can then be followed with what am I going to do specifically. Example of this would be: I want to purchase a steer to show at the county fair. Now, how am I going to accomplish this goal. I need to state how I am going to reach my goal and is it measurable. When and how am I going to accomplish my goal? Be specific when you are planning and writing out your goals.

 

This is an example of a goal using the above example: I want to purchase a steer to show at the county fair. I will start working with my steer as soon as I get him. I will work with him for seven hours each week so that he will be broke to lead at least 3 months before the fair. This example starts with an action and has a timeline for accomplishing the goal. The goal is also reachable and measurable. The result of this goal would be that the youth will have a broke steer to show at the county fair.

It is not too late for youth to be setting their project goals for the 4-H year in ZBooks and start on their record keeping to show the plans used to accomplish their goals for each project. There are resources available on the Kansas 4-H website including the Guide to Kansas 4-H Project Recognition.

For more information and help with goals and record keeping, please contact your 4-H agent or the K-State Extension Office.