"From Pencils to Possibilities- Your 4-H Game Plan for the Year Ahead"

In this episode of The Extension Connection Podcast, Jessica Jackson—4-H Agent at the Polk County Center—shares how to build your ultimate 4-H Game Plan for the year ahead. From setting S.M.A.R.T. goals to using Project Record Books, you’ll learn practical ways to track progress, stay motivated, and make the most of every club opportunity. Jessica also dives into local 4-H history, shares her own big personal goal for the year, and encourages families to take on a “Year Ahead Challenge” together. Whether you’re a new member, a long-time 4-H’er, or a parent looking to support your child’s growth, this episode is packed with inspiration, real-life tips, and a reminder of 4-H fall programs. 

Transcript

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Greetings four H Family, and welcome back to another episode of the Extension Connection Podcast. I'm your co-host, Jessica Jackson, the four H agent here at the Polk County Center, and I'm so glad y'all are tuning in today. Today we're gonna talk about a little bit about setting goals, tracking your progress, and making the most out of every club opportunity. But first, can we take a moment and talk about. This time of year, the start of school is such a mix of emotions, fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils. That moment when you look at your kid and think, whoa, when did you grow up so fast? I have a 22 month old and my husband and I are already thinking about our education and yes, about our future in four H. I just can't help it. When she's out visiting our goat at the office or how she lit up this past weekend, how she was petting cows at the junior beef frowned up my mind. Fast forward to all the chances she'll have to learn, lead and grow, even though she's not in school yet. She's learning every single day in our own little four H projects in toddler form. And looking back just one year, the changes are incredible. That got me thinking not just about my memories, but about four H history. I've been flipping through the book called Memories of four H by LL Harold, known as Mr. Four H himself. Born right here in North Carolina in 1897, Harold went on to earn agriculture degrees from what is now known as NC State, and he became a four H Club agent when the movement was just gr getting started. Here's a cool gym. Back in 1922, there was an early four H camp at Chimney Rock Park with youth from Buncombe County. Then in August of 1923, right here in Poland County, they held a camp at the old Stears High School dormitories. That means Polk County's been part of four H history, almost from the very beginning. Moments like this remind me, whether it's a toddler petting her first G or a teen leading a club. Project growth happens step by step with encouragement and opportunity, and that's exactly what four H is all about. So let's start with building your four H game plan, all four H family. Let's make this interactive. Wherever you are right now, riding to school, feeding animals, folding laundry, I want you to join me in the next part. Let's do it together. I'm about to walk you through your four H game plan challenge. Ready? Let's go. Step one, think of one thing, just one thing you would like to accomplish and achieve this year. Got it? Great. Step two, now let's talk about it and make it smart. You know the classic goal setting formula? Let's talk about what SMART stands for. The essence SMART is gonna stand for specific. You wanna be clear on what you're setting Your goal for the M is gonna be for measurable. Figure out how you're gonna track your progress. Everybody's different a achievable. Big dreams are great, but make sure you've got real steps. R is gonna stand for relevant. That it matters to you time. Give yourself a deadline When you wanna complete, complete it by, is it gonna be short term or long term? Step three, pick your very first step. What's gonna be the first thing you do towards this goal? Step four. Choose your accountability buddy who's gonna help you keep track. A friend, parent, cub, leader. Dog. Okay, maybe not your dog. Step five, decide how you'll track your progress. That can be through a goal tracker journal, sticky notes on your mirror, whatever works for you. Step six. Now imagine that moment you've achieved your goal. How will you celebrate? And just like that, your game plan is officially set in motion. The best part, the smart goal method isn't just for four H. It's a tool you can use in all parts of your life, whether it's school, sports, or even something fun like saving up for a new game or planning a trip. Smart goals help you stay focused. Another awesome way your child can track their project through a program is with a project record book. And the best part, it can be personalized to each student. For example, take our two Western North Carolina Darius Theater participants from Polk County. Each of them keeps a project record book for their calf. And I can tell you they're gonna be different. It's not just paperwork. They're tracking everything from their, how much bottle their calf drank early on to the daily feed intake as they grow. Why? Because. They have a five month goal to meet, and that detailed record keeping helps them stay organized and on target. Project record books don't just help keep track. They build real life skills like organization, attention to detail, and even learning in Excel. If you want to get fancy, I know it sometimes feels like a lot of work, but many four Hs don't realize that they're developing soft skills. Employers love skills that will help you in college careers and life. So next time you're knee deep in your record book, remember, you are not just filling out forms, you're building your future. Speaking of goals, I want to share one of mine this year I'm applying to start a master's program. It's a big step, especially since I've been outta school for a few years. It's going to take planning organization, a lot of commitment to get back in the school groove. Just like many of you students, I have to prepare myself mentally, logistically to make it happen. Back in the day, I was that kid who couldn't wait for the first day of school, new notebooks, strapping pencils, the works. Now I'm balancing a full-time job. This new educational career challenge and keeping my priorities like my family front and center. It's a juggling act, but it's absolutely worth it. And here's why I'm telling you this. Your goals don't have to look just like mine. They can be huge life-changing dreams or small step-by-step wins both matter. So think about your four H journey this year. Maybe you wanna try a new program four H has to offer, or a new class. Maybe you know somebody who wants to volunteer to start a new program. Maybe you finally tackle a skill you've always wanted to learn. Because I promise you, when you keep showing up and learning, those little lessons add up, and before you know it, you've built something amazing. Before we wrap up, if you haven't, if you're part of Polk County four H Family and haven't enrolled in four H online yet, now's the time. I know it can be, feel a little long and tedious, but trust me, it only has to be done once a year. While you're at it, be sure to subscribe to our Polk County Extension newsletter so you never miss updates, events, or fun opportunities. Thank you so much for listening today, four H Family. I'm excited to see what amazing things you will accomplish this year. Keep your eyes peeled. Fall classes, signups will be opening soon and you won't want to miss out. We've got some great programs coming your way to make this season. The best yet, don't forget to tune in next week and tune in to our livestock agent, Cassie LA Masters. Until next time, keep learning, keep growing, and keep making those memories.