The Russell County 4-H program collaborated with a local elementary school to present a program on goal setting to approximately 90 fifth grade youth.  Antione de Saint-Exupéry said, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”  In most all 4-H programs, youth learn to set goals, work toward them, and then evaluate their success.  Goal-setting helps 4-H members complete projects; the 4-H record book has been the gold standard for many decades to help youth document their success toward reaching a project goal.  When youth set and achieve goals, it builds satisfaction and confidence in their abilities.  When they fall short of reaching a goal, they learn to accept failure without blaming others which develops maturity.

The youth were led in a discussion about the difference in short-term goals and long-term goals. They also learned how to write a SMART goal.  These goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound.  The youth wrote a short-term goal that they could try to accomplish in approximately 30 days.  The next month, the youth were given their goal back and asked if they accomplished it.   Sixty-four percent (64%) of the youth indicated that they had met their goal.  Comments made by the youth on the importance of setting goals and writing them down included the following:

1. Helped me to stay focused
2. Helped me not to give up so easily
3. Helped me to be more organized
4. Helped me work to get better each day
5. Helped me to make a better effort
6. Helped boost my confidence

One student said that setting written goals helped him meet his own expectations better.