Families For Life | Why every couple needs marriage goals

When you were dating, you were both moving towards marriage. But once you’re married, where do you go from here? Having shared goals as a married couple is like having a roadmap; it helps you move in the same direction and stay aligned.

With clarity comes motivation. Working towards a common goal encourages growth in the relationship, sets clear expectations, and reduces the chances of miscommunication or misunderstandings. It also reassures both partners that effort is being invested in nurturing the marriage.

Having a shared vision could be the key to building a long-lasting and fulfilling marriage! Here’s how to set marriage goals with your spouse.

Discover your intentions

Every couple will have different things they want to work towards. Whether it’s healthier conflict resolution, better communication, or family planning, being clear about what you want to achieve and deciding how to work on it together is an important first step.

Start by having an open conversation about where and how you both envision your relationship to go, and identify any areas of your marriage you’d like to strengthen or improve.

Understand the reasons behind your intentions

Knowing what you want to work towards is a great start, but it’s just as important to understand why these goals matter to you as a couple. Consider if these goals genuinely enhance your unique relationship and align with your needs and values.

Understanding the reasons behind your goals helps you prioritise what truly matters and keeps you motivated when things feel challenging.

Be flexible

As you move through different stages of life, your circumstances and goals will naturally change. Take time to adjust your expectations and revisit your intentions so you can continue growing together through each season of marriage. Flexibility creates space for compromise and understanding, ensuring that your shared goals continue to support and strengthen your relationship over time.

As you’re setting your marriage goals, you’ll learn more about each other and gain better clarity on your shared values and priorities. It is important to keep in mind that setting goals isn’t about getting everything right – it’s about laying the foundation for a marriage that is nurtured and continues to grow.