Creating Goals For Your Family
The Why and How Behind Setting Family Goals
As we begin the new year, it is normal to make New Years resolutions, but have you considered setting goals for your entire family?
A family goal is mutually agreed upon objective that reflects the values, mission, and principals of a family unit.
Creating and completing goals as a family fosters stronger communication, connection, and purpose. Think about how the success of each member of the family can push everyone in the direction of who you all want to be. When working together making goals puts the family at the forefront, and include all members in accomplishments and achievements even when the focus is one or two members. The collaborative effort of tackling goals will keep your household on track and accountable.
So, how do we make a Family Goal?
Identify challenges that your family face. Do you struggle spending time together? Is it hard to be present when you are spending time together? Do you have financial goals you’d like to reach? Would you like to complete a community service project together? Would you like to focus on life skills to encourage independence and contributions to the household? Maybe you want start a family business or hobby. There is no limit on how big or small. Identify necessary changes that will make life for your family happier, easier and more productive.
Try applying the SMART model. Each goal should be SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ACHIEVABLE, RELEVANT, and TIMELY.
§ Specific- While it is great to see the big picture, having smaller, bite sized and specific goals are easiest to plan and accomplish.
§ Measurable-Choosing a goal with measurable progress allows you to track where you are and how far you have until reaching your objective. Find a fun way to see how things change as you get closer to then end goal!
§ Achievable- Making sure goals are reasonable obtainable given your family’s current (or accessible) resources and income are important for producing success.
§ Relevant- Your family goals should align with the big picture, or the mission and values of your family. Is accomplishing this goal going to get you closer to your mission?
§ Timely- Setting a deadline gives your family a clear timeline of when and how to plan for success.
Break it down into smaller attainable goals. Goals require tangible and specific actions. This is where you create a plan to achieve your objective. How long will it take you to complete? Is it a long-term or short-term goal?
Review and Reflect. The best way to keep track of your successes and goals that need more work. Review what worked and how you can make things better as you plan for your family’s next set of goals. Remember most to be intentional. YOU CAN DO THIS!
Happy goal setting!