Five Quick Tips to Setting Family Goals

Set some intentional goals together and achieve them as a team. In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day whirlwind of activities. However, setting intentional goals as a family can be a powerful way to foster unity, growth, and a sense of purpose among all its members. But it doesn't stop there; encouraging each family member to articulate their personal goals can be equally transformative.

The value and importance of setting goals from a young child to an adult gives the foundation for a productive life style.  When your child has the skill to set a basic goal and break that down to small steps to accomplish the target, you are golden!  This life skill is talked about by the most successful business people to entrepreneurs etc.  I have a friend who's daughter had a small idea as a teen.  She mapped it out and then started to execute her plan.  Recently the company was evaluated at $12M and sold.  Now she is off to the next idea.  

I remember when both of my kids came to me wanting to make money so they could buy the latest "big" Lego set.  They were 6 and 7 years old.  I told them to figure out what they could do to make money.  The next thing I new they brought a small table and chairs out to the font of the house and sold their rock collection!  You heard me right, a rock collection!  That day they made $85 on rocks and we went to the toy store.  

As a family we made lists.  It is just what we did and all of it was goals from the tiniest to the biggest.  When the kids were smaller we pretty much knew what they were going for and would include them on the list of goals.  As they grew we incorporated their feedback more and more.  The funniest part of that story is we ALWAYS lost the lists and we ALWAYS found the list a year or so later.  Everything or nearly everything on the list would be done.  We would have a good laugh and then do it again!

The Power of Family Goals:

Setting family goals is like charting a course for a journey together. It gives your family a sense of direction, purpose, and shared values. Whether it's achieving better communication, embarking on adventures, or saving for a dream vacation, these goals create a framework that guides your family's decisions and actions.

How to Set Family Goals:

• Family Meeting: Start by gathering the family for a meeting. Make it an engaging and inclusive discussion where everyone has a voice.
• Identify Values: Discuss the values that are most important to your family. These could be things like togetherness, education, adventure, or community involvement
• Determine Goals: Based on your shared values, brainstorm family goals. These should be achievable, measurable, and aligned with your values.
• Break Them Down: Once you have your big goals, break them down into smaller, actionable steps. This makes the path to achievement clearer and more manageable.
• Create a Timeline: Set a timeline for your goals. This adds a sense of urgency and helps you track progress.

Personal Goals: Empowering Each Family Member:

While family goals are vital, don't forget the importance of individual goals. Encourage every family member, regardless of age, to set their own personal goals. These could encompass academic achievements, personal hobbies, health and fitness, or personal development.

Why Personal Goals Matter:

1. Empowerment: Personal goals empower individuals to take control of their lives and strive for self-improvement.
2. Responsibility: Setting and achieving personal goals teaches responsibility and discipline.
3. Growth: Pursuing personal goals encourages personal growth, skill development, and self-discovery. 

4. Family Support: When each family member has their own goals, it opens up opportunities for mutual support and encouragement. 

Intentional goal setting, both as a family and individually, is a powerful tool for strengthening bonds, fostering growth, and creating a purpose-driven family dynamic. By setting goals that align with your values and encouraging each family member to pursue their aspirations, you're not just building a family; you're cultivating a thriving community of individuals who support and uplift each other.