January often arrives with a renewed sense of possibility, making it a natural time to think about resolutions and personal goal-setting. A resolution is typically a broad decision to make a lasting life change, while a goal is more specific. Goals have a clear purpose, a defined outcome, and a way to measure success. Well-written goals give us direction, fuel motivation, encourage accountability, and help us make the most of the year ahead. Effective goals include four key parts: what you will do, how you will do it, when you will do it, and how you will know it is complete. In 4-H, members learn to set S.M.A.R.T. goals using the acronym’s letters to remember. These goals are Specific. They clearly outline the objective. Measurable, with progress that can be tracked. Achievable and Realistic, considering available time and resources. Lastly, they are Time-bound, with a clear deadline. For example, my father recently shared that one of his goals for the last year was to lose ten pounds. The goal was specific and measurable using a scale. Realistic for his body type and lifestyle, and time-bound with a one-year deadline. By following the S.M.A.R.T. framework, he gave himself a clear plan for success rather than just a hopeful resolution.

This month is a great time to hold a personal brainstorming session. Thoughtful reflection can spark new ideas and help you aim for goals you may not have previously considered. Start by asking yourself what you want to do and why. Consider all the areas of your life, your hobbies, career, family, social connections, health, and school. What does success look like when a goal is met? Is there a skill you would like to learn or an area where you want to improve? Be sure to revisit goals that are still in progress rather than setting them aside. For example, my father’s goal to lose ten pounds has evolved. Now he tells me he still has thirteen pounds to go! While he didn’t meet his original timeline, the goal itself remains relevant, reminding us that progress is not always linear and that meaningful goals can be adjusted rather than abandoned.

If you want to get the most out of the year ahead, consider how you will intentionally work toward your goals. The process of goal setting naturally asks you to identify your needs, available resources, and existing skills. It also requires you to think about timing. Breaking a long-term objective into attainable short-term goals with realistic deadlines makes success more manageable. While a completion date helps hold you accountable, smaller milestones along the way keep you motivated and moving forward. Taking time for an intentional goal-setting session is often one of the most effective ways to increase success. Using my father’s ongoing weight-loss goal as an example, setting several smaller S.M.A.R.T. goals, such as scheduling regular exercise days and planned intervals for checking his weight or how his clothes are fitting better, would help turn a long-term objective into consistent, achievable progress.

Goal setting is relevant at every age, and it is one of the many important life skills young people can develop through participation in 4-H. When 4-H youth take time to think intentionally about where they want to go and what they hope to accomplish, they are better prepared to tackle ambitious goals while maintaining motivation and momentum along the way. Each January, Lee County 4-H’ers are encouraged to write down their goals for the year, then revisit them monthly to evaluate progress and make adjustments as needed. By December, they have not only a record of accomplishments but also a clearer understanding of what worked, what changed, and how they grew. This process reflects the 4-H motto, “To make the best better,” and goal setting is one of the most effective ways to put that idea into action. If you would like to join us in this goal-setting process, visit our website for tools and resources to help you get started. https://lee.ces.ncsu.edu/lee-county-achievement-award-program/

For more information about this topic and others, contact Pam Kerley at Lee County 4-H. Pam Kerley has a master’s degree in Youth, Family, and Community Science and is the 4-H Program Assistant at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Lee County Center. 4-H is a positive youth development program that offers activities to fit various interests, backgrounds, budgets, and schedules. In Lee County, 4-H provides opportunities for youth through in-school programs, after-school activities, clubs, and camps, welcoming all children eager to have fun, learn, and grow. In North Carolina, 4-H is powered by NC State Cooperative Extension and NC A&T University, bringing expert knowledge, resources, and practical tools to enrich daily life and support community well-being.

Reprint from an article in the Sanford Herald on January 3, 2026