Family Goals
Why Family Goal-Setting Matters
As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re heading. In our family, we’ve made it a tradition to gather together, share our reflections, and set goals for the upcoming year. It’s a special moment that not only brings us closer but also helps each of us grow individually.
If you’ve never tried this, I can’t recommend it enough. Here’s a glimpse into how we approach family goal-setting and why it’s such a valuable tradition.
The Power of Coming Together
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important. Sitting down as a family provides a rare opportunity to pause and connect. We use this time to celebrate achievements, acknowledge challenges, and dream about what’s next. Hearing everyone’s hopes and ambitions is inspiring and often gives us insights we might not have known about one another.
Our Goal-Setting Process
Step 1: Reflect on the Past Year
We start by reflecting on the year that’s ending. Each family member shares:
Something they’re proud of accomplishing.
A challenge they faced and how they worked through it.
A favorite memory from the year.
This reflection helps us appreciate how far we’ve come and sets a positive tone for goal-setting.
Step 2: Dream Big for the New Year
Next, we talk about goals for the upcoming year. We encourage everyone to think of both short-term and long-term goals. To make it easier, we divide them into categories like:
Personal Growth: Learning a new skill, trying a new hobby, or improving in an area they’re passionate about.
Family Goals: Activities we want to do together, like a vacation or weekly game nights.
Health and Wellbeing: Staying active, eating better, or trying mindfulness practices.
Education and Career: Focusing on studies, taking a professional course, or exploring career paths.
Here are some of the goals our family has set for the coming year:
Visit family in Tennessee.
Go to Meow Wolf.
Take a family vacation to New Mexico.
Stay at a fun hotel.
Visit the library more often.
Go to Great Wolf Lodge.
Pay off two credit cards.
Go on more date nights.
Join a swim team.
Exercise more regularly.
Participate in the kids’ triathlon.
Complete a 5K.
Run to the river more.
Work fewer weekends.
Take a family trip to Chicago.
Plan a family trip to Indianapolis.
Trim and cut trees in the yard.
Redo the sidewalks and driveway.
Makeover the backyard so we can have people over.
Explore a different middle school for the kids.
Step down from the PTO so mom has more free time.
Adding a new business adventure.
Designating house chores.
Visit friends more.
Visit Family more.
Finish wedding photos and print them to be in our house.
Change mommy's last name to Scarberry.
Step 3: Write Them Down
There’s something powerful about putting goals on paper. We like to use a shared notebook or create a vision board. For kids, drawing pictures or writing simple sentences about their goals works wonderfully.
Step 4: Make It a Team Effort
Some goals are personal, but others are family goals. Working together on shared goals strengthens our bond and makes the journey more fun. Whether it’s planning a family trip or setting a screen-free night once a week, collaboration is key.
Step 5: Revisit Throughout the Year
We don’t just set goals and forget them. Checking in every few months helps us stay on track and adjust if needed. It’s also a great excuse to celebrate progress and keep the momentum going.
Benefits of Family Goal-Setting
Strengthened Connections: When everyone shares their dreams and aspirations, it fosters deeper understanding and support.
Accountability: Knowing that others are cheering you on (or working toward the same goal) can be a powerful motivator.
Life Skills: For kids, this practice teaches important skills like planning, reflection, and perseverance.
Celebrating Together: Achieving a goal as a family makes the success even sweeter.
A Tradition Worth Starting
Whether you’re a family of two or ten, this simple tradition can be a game-changer. The act of sitting down together, listening to each other, and dreaming about the future creates memories that last a lifetime.
So grab some snacks, a notebook, and your loved ones, and make a date for your family’s goal-setting session. Who knows? This might become one of your favorite traditions too.
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