Resolutions are rarely kept for more than 30 days, but goals can be life-changing. More than good intentions, goals can help you put concrete steps in place to create a different life and a different kind of love. A goal is just a dream with a deadline. So let’s take some time and dream together!
If you feel like life is too busy to sit down and write down your future goals, start goal setting on the go as a couple or family. While the two of you are in the car, ask someone who isn’t the driver to interview your partner and write down some goals for the next year that will make your love stronger and last longer. “Best year ever” Goal planning sheet that allows you to set goals step by step www.Love-wise.com) This can lead to deeper, richer, or more lively discussions, so it may take several sessions to resolve the question. Enjoy the positive movement!
Here are some sample questions to fine-tune your life, marriage, and family life.
- Looking ahead to this year, what are your most important challenges or goals for next year?
- As we look ahead to this year, what are the most important issues or goals we have in mind for our marriage and next year?
- Looking ahead to this year, what are the most important issues or goals for our family in mind for the coming year?
- What adjustments in your home can make it easier to achieve these desires?
- How do you plan to develop yourself?
-Mentally?
-Physically?
-Emotionally?
-Socially?
-Academic or career-related?
What can I do to help you? (Each answer this to the other.)
- Can you translate these aspirations into specific, measurable goals? (Write below.)
- Can you create a personal motto for the year, a family or marriage motto? (more on this in our book) 10 best decisions couples can make)
We also want to create a theme for the year. One couple we know chose to “Think Young” for a year in their mid-40s. One of my estranged friends’ girlfriends created their own version of “Love Again in 2010.” And guess what? They went from the brink of divorce to a vibrant, strong and loving marriage before the Thanksgiving holiday.
- Are there any verses from this year that describe what God is trying to speak to your heart? (To find verses, select a few keywords and put them into a word search. www.Biblegateway.com or logos bible When you use the software, you will be presented with a list of poems to choose from. )
Sample “Poems of the Year” that we have used in the past to help move us forward:
2013: With the goal of becoming stronger in all fields
“Did I not command you? Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).
This year, Bill and I both chose the same word (STRONGER) and the same poem. Joshua 1:9, and the same motto this year (“Be Strong”). Throughout the year, all of our choices were made with his one question in mind: “Will this make me/we stronger?” As a result, we became stronger both physically and financially, and our ministry and family strengthened as we achieved our goals.
2008: Aim to become a better leader both in public and private life
“So our ambition is to please him, whether we are at home or not.” (2 Corinthians 5:9 NASB).
The only question that became my focus was, “Will this please God?”
Let’s see if each of you can come up with a personal motivational poem that will have a positive impact on your love and life. Then we memorize that verse and meditate on it daily. Try to create a singular question that will serve as a focusing lens for your life.
The key to success is not just saying your goals, but going back to Outlook or your personal planner system and scheduling time to actually accomplish them. Also, set aside a day every 3-4 months to review your progress.
The final secret to success is to reward yourself and celebrate all the possible victories along the way. If your goal is to fight less, celebrate the first day you go an entire day without fighting. If your goal is to save money, plan ways to give yourself a boost that don’t cost anything. This could be sharing a sunset moment or walking hand in hand along the beach or in the park. Make it your goal to list five ways you can bless each other to reach your goal of staying in love. Long-lasting love is one in which a couple sets the goal of being in love one more day and takes the time and effort to accomplish it one day at a time.
pam and bill farrell He is the author of 40 books, including his most recent work. 7 simple skills for men to succeed. For more information on goal setting, there are several books that contain information about goals. Men are like waffles, women are like spaghetti or 10 best decisions couples can make Or download our goal setting sheet www.Love-Wise.com
date of issue: December 31, 2014
Photo provided by: ©GettyImages/Ippei Naoi