As we leave 2025 and ring in the new year, many of us plan our New Year’s resolutions. While each resolution is a specific and unique goal tailored to each individual, it is essential to make these goals intentional and measurable. This way, achieving these goals becomes more possible. Whether they are geared towards academics, athletics, or even your Angus cattle, these are a few steps to help you keep your resolutions S.M.A.R.T. this year. 

Specific: Your goal should be clear and specific. Keep goals concise to avoid any confusion or gray areas when reaching your targeted goal. 
Measurable: You want your goal to be quantifiable and easily measured. Being able to track your progress can help you hold yourself accountable. This enables you to visualize your improvement. 

Achievable: Goals should be realistic and achievable, but not trivial. These goals should challenge you and provide something to strive for, allowing you to grow. 

Relevant: Your goals should align with something that matters to you. Make them something you are passionate about, something you care about. In doing so, they will be more easily completed and more rewarding to accomplish. 

Timely: These goals must have a time frame in which they can be completed. Setting annual goals is a great beginning, but also try and set daily or weekly goals to help start your routines. Doing this can help you establish a routine and stick to it, bringing you one step closer to achieving your year-end goal. 

One example of a S.M.A.R.T. goal could be to become a more comfortable and confident showman before your next National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) show. This is a specific goal that every showman can always work on. 

To make it measurable, either set aside time throughout the week or keep track of time you’re able to practice showing your animal. This is an easily attainable goal for anyone, and allows you to grow as a showman. As members of the NJAA, we are passionate about our Angus cattle, making this goal relevant for each one of us. While this is a longer goal focused on an upcoming event, it can become a weekly task to keep you accountable and on track. 

I hope these S.M.A.R.T. tips help you establish and achieve your goals as we take on 2026 together.