Since we are only a few days into the new year, there is still time for you to think about your goals. In 4-H, we strive to instill a very important life skill of goal setting, not just any goal setting skill. We aim to teach our 4-Hers about setting SMART goals. What are SMART goals exactly? SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound. For instance, an example of a SMART goal is to give a presentation about social media etiquette at county presentations in May. This goal is specific. It’s measurable because the 4-Her can measure if they actually did the presentation or not. It’s also achievable and relevant. The 4-Her also set a time frame. Now isn’t that easy? It’s your turn now to set some SMART goals. 

I like to set my SMART goals and create a vision board. I create a new one each year even when my goals are similar and may transfer from one year to another. A vision board is a tool used to help clarify, concentrate, and maintain focus on a specific life goal. 

1. Write down your SMART goals. Think about what you would like to accomplish in 2022 and how you plan to obtain those goals.
2. Think of four (or more) areas in your life where you want to focus the majority of your attention to in the year. It’s 4-H. We are going to choose our head (academic/professional/hobbies), heart (relationships - personally and professionally), hands (service to others or self), and health. 
3. Cut out magazine clippings, write down words, find stickers, pictures of inspirational people, quotes, etc. for you to creatively express those areas of focus in your life as well as your goals. I also like to include a picture of myself because my vision board is about me. 
4. Paste those clippings, stickers, etc. to a poster or cork boards. Or if you want to be more creative and tech savvy, you can use a PowerPoint or app like Canva to create a digital vision board. 
5. Once you are complete, make it visible to you. The goal of your vision board is for it to be a constant reminder of the things you hope to accomplish in the year.