Setting Marriage Goals
Spiritual Maturity
The key aspect is to grow and mature in your knowledge and understanding of God, which will make you better people and better spouses. When running into trials and tribulations, you will understand what God would say about it, which will help you overcome any relationship challenges that much easier.
Communicate Better
Communication is an imperfect art that we can never master. We must always work on it to improve so that we can say, hear, and understand correctly. Oftentimes, a breakdown in communication is the reason for separation. So, it's important to be intentional with your words because the monotonous routine of waking up, going to work, making dinner, handling kids, and more can contribute to this breakdown.
Financial Goals
Your first goal should always be to eliminate debt. Afterward, you'll want to set up an emergency fund and, if you have kids, college funds. Then, work on your retirement plans. The point is to have your finances in order and be in agreement on your goals. You can also incorporate monthly check-ins to gauge whether your actions are contributing toward your goals or whether you need to adjust your goals based on changing circumstances.
Make Date Night a Priority
If you don't schedule time for each other, it won't happen. Make date night a priority and pick a day that works best for your schedules where you can spend time together. Invest in your relationship, whether it means having a date every Monday night or every other week. Take turns planning your dates so that both of you can enjoy what you want to do. If you want to make your dates more spontaneous, try randomly choosing from a list of acceptable activities/places that you both will like.
Improve Health and Wellness
This can involve exercise, weight loss, dietary changes, and even luxury activities like massages. You and your spouse may have different goals in this category, but you want to communicate them to each other and support both goals. Remember: the goal is to live a long and healthy life together.
Travel
This can involve getting on a plane for a relaxing beach getaway, travelling out of town for the weekend, a short road trip, or even a staycation. The point is to refresh yourself. If you have kids, you can set up a babysitter or you can bring them on the trip with you. Make it a priority to get away.
Choose Positive Models and Mentors
You want to surround yourself with people who will support you through challenges and cheer you on through successes. You decide who you want to invest in and who will invest in you. So, find people on different levels as you because then you can see what they're doing and gain inspiration and motivation to reach it as well.
Long-Term Goals
Think about where you want to see yourself when you're 50 years old. Establishing long-term goals helps influence the decisions you'll make today. This process can involve end-of-year dinners where you and your spouse discuss your short-term goals and whether they line up with your long-term ones.
Try Something New Every Month
You don't want your relationship to go stale because you keep doing the same things over and over again. Trying out new things is a great way to add excitement and spontaneity to your relationship.
Build an Emergency Fund
It makes you feel good and secure to know that if everything falls apart, you can survive for a certain number of months where neither partner is earning money. This is especially important if you don't make a consistent income, work freelance, or don't have a stable job.
