We have all heard of New Year's resolutions and goals. It is something that comes up often this time of year. People ask you what you are giving up, or what you are going to make the point of doing this coming year. Something we don't often think of is making a couple's annual resolution and goal's list. What do the two of you want to accomplish this year as a couple? What is it that you would love to do together? This can be a fun and connecting project for the two of you to do together as this year comes to an end, and we near the start of a new year.
My best suggestion to start this project is for the two of you to sit down and play this ala the Newly Game. Sit down together and make a list of 10 things that you would like to accomplish together as a couple this year. Put some real thought into this, have fun with it, stretch your imagination. Once you have each come up with the list, make a little game of trying to guess what the other person has written down on their list. This can also be a great test of not only how well you know your partner, but it can help you to get to know your partner better. There are sure to be things on this list that will surprise you, hopefully in a good way.
Once you have come together and had a little fun with coming up with your goals and hopes for the year as a couple, it is the time to come together as a couple and decide on a "master list" of things that the two of you would really like to accomplish this year. The importance here is being realistic, making the items a priority, and following through on what you agree that you are going to do. The fair thing might be for each of you to keep 6 out of the 10 things you individually came up with, for a master list of 12, or 6 each. If you think that you can handle more, feel free, the world is your oyster. With the twelve, you can commit to do one thing on the list each month. This way it is spread out, keeps the motivation going, and feels like a more realistic option.
If possible, the fair way to do this would be to alternate months that your item is chosen. This way it is fair and balanced. The exception to this would be if some activity, such as a festival, falls on a certain month. Then you would obviously have to do that activity at a certain time. If you have a month where there are two activities that can only be done that month, no one says that you cannot do more. Coming up with this list actually helps you as a couple. You work on communication, sharing, actively listening, compromising, and problem solving. What is a fun activity actually strengthens your relationship, and the skills you have as a couple.
Hopefully this idea has inspired you as a couple. The fun is to let your mind wander and be creative. To guess your partners interests, and to come up with a master list together. This is something that can become a wonderful annual tradition, and one that helps to keep things fresh in the relationship. Making a point to do things you want to do, that you partner wants to do, and sharing these experiences together as a couple, can only strengthen the relationship while having fun. You will stay connected to one another, and you will create some wonderful memories. Have fun!