How are those goals and resolutions coming along?

It’s not too late to turn those New Year’s resolutions into reality and try something new.

It’s not too late to follow through on those New Year’s resolutions you made - you still have eleven months to transform those resolutions into reality. As you consider your goals for the next year, challenge yourself to try something new to expand your horizons or consider a new aspect of a project you already enjoy. When we participate in a new activity, we challenge ourselves and are likely to discover a hidden talent and make new friends along the way.

Many in our state have already resolved to do this and adults, college students, teens and children throughout Michigan are starting new projects and joining new groups. For some that is a senior center or community center, for others it is a new bowling league, gym, church or 4-H club. What will you be doing this year? Will you share your favorite hobby, learn a new sport, get those scrapbooks put together or plan a trip with friends?

No matter what your resolution, as long as you take action you will be on your way to success. However, setting a goal for this resolution can make the trip a lot easier and help to measure your achievement. When we have goals and take the time to think them through, we will see clear action steps we need to follow along the way in order to accomplish what we set out to do. When setting your goals, try to make sure they are SMART goals: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely.

In 4-H clubs across the state, members and leaders will set SMART goals together this year and work throughout the year to achieve those goals. Some of those goals may result in a project they display at the county fair or items they produce to sell as part of their own business. Some goals do not result in a project that is created at all, but rather an experience our youth enjoy as they gather together and learn about a variety of topics.  Many of these great 4-H Youth Development program events are held around the state, including 4-H Capitol Experience, 4-H Exploration Days, Kettunen Center workshops, state shows and more. Challenge yourself to explore a new project or activity this year with Michigan 4-H!

For project ideas and more information about Michigan 4-H, visit the Michigan State University Extension 4-H page.

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