The ONE thing that makes all the difference

At the beginning of a new year, it seems all we hear about are resolutions – goals for the new year, changes folks swear they are going to make this time around, and, of course, weight-loss missions. That first week of January, your news feed is flooded with declarations of intent. You probably also notice them at the beginning of every sports season, every school year, and every holiday.

We all have goals. We all have dreams about what could be. We might even have one (or more) of those resolutions for the new year. The reason we ALL have goals and dreams is because that’s the easy part.

How many posts will you see later this month about those goals? What are the chances you’ll read about someone’s progress in March? Who will be excited to tell you about their improvement this summer? The bigger question, how many won’t?

One of my favorite quotes is from Henry Ford. “You can’t build a reputation on what you’re going to do.” Reputation isn’t the driving force here, but it’s a solid reminder that what distinguishes leaders is the ability to execute. Anyone can set goals. Not everyone will be willing to do the hard work to get there.

You have some goals for your livestock project in 2016? Then you need to make the choice to do the work. What will the work look like for you? Depending on your goals, it could mean going to the barn before school, checking your attitude each and every time you work with your sibling, stepping out of your comfort zone, or showing up even when you don’t feel like it.

If your goal is. . .

…winning showmanship, then you need to be willing to put in the time with your animal every day.

…improving your public speaking skills for junior nationals, then you need to be willing to practice, gather feedback, and practice some more.

…getting to every jackpot show in the circuit, then you need to be willing to sacrifice some of the weekends you spend with your friends.

Goals are achieved when your commitment to do the work is greater than pull of sleeping in or watching Netflix or hanging out with friends. Make the choice. Do the work. Start checking off goals left and right and don’t worry about having to have the same resolution next year because you weren’t willing to execute. Go get ‘em!