Family Goal Setting
Last week, at a moms’ night out, I was talking to one of my friends about her family goal setting meeting, which she holds each January to set family goals for the year. I loved the idea of involving the kids in discussing what’s going well and what could use some improvement.
I’d gotten together with my work friend/accountability partner a few weeks ago to discuss our business and work/life balance goals for 2024. In order to focus and stay on track throughout the year, I’d created a template, and I was inspired by my friend to tailor this template for use in my own family goal setting meeting.
Last night, I called the meeting and discussed the plan, then gave everyone a copy of my handout and set a timer for 15 minutes. My husband and older kids each filled out their sheets, while I helped my youngest with his, and added my own family goals for 2024. We then came together to share our ideas.
It was so fun to see what the kids really appreciated from last year, what they want to do this year, and how they came up with their own action steps to help with areas in need of improvement, like getting out the door earlier on school days.
We all know about personal New Year's resolutions, but have you considered setting family goals and working with your partner and/or kids to start the year off on a tone of collaboration, cooperation, and ideas for more family fun?
So many moms feel overwhelmed by all their responsibilities and the unrelenting mental overload. I’ve found that taking time out to be mindful and intentional around goals ultimately helps things go smoother.
Making goal setting a family event helps moms feel more supported. And when kids brainstorm their own ideas and create action steps, they are more likely to contribute in meaningful ways.
Click here to access my family goal setting template.
Read below for more tips on setting goals and resolutions:
- Be careful not to set the bar too high. Setting a realistic goal that you can build upon makes it more likely you will stay motivated by little wins versus become discouraged when you get off track.
- Think in baby steps and redefine goals as you go. Consider your goal a stepping stone rather than a final destination.
- Create goals that are flexible enough to account for the curveballs in life.
- Make goals clear and measurable.
- Don’t beat yourself up over setbacks.
- Praise yourself for even the smallest of successes.
- Remember: Goals and resolutions are meant to better our lives, not create more stress.
