Many of us are familiar with the benefits of setting goals, whether it is to help us prioritise, make clearer decisions, or improve ourselves to give us a better purpose and direction in life. Since goals are seen as a necessary step for us to make advancements in different aspects of our lives, goal setting can also be useful in maintaining and improving our relationships!

*While the relationship goals mentioned below mainly reference couples, the principles and ideas can also be applied to other forms of relationships, including those among friends and family.

What are Relationship Goals?

“The goals we’re setting now are stepping stones in the path to our future.”

Working together towards a shared vision, while remaining flexible and nimble as life changes arise to strengthen the bond between two individuals.

Benefits of Setting Goals with Someone Else

Setting goals and plans together gives you the opportunity to reconnect and intentionally take the time to learn more about the other person.

Writing your goals together allows you to have a tangible list of things which you are working towards, TOGETHER.

You can be each other’s best accountability partner and cheerleader.

You are able to celebrate all the big (and small) victories together.

It creates something that the both of you look forward to experiencing.

It enhances your relationship.

It gives you something to talk and dream about.

How to Support One Another to Achieve Your Relationship Goals

Make sure you are both in alignment. Know each other’s personal goals, in addition to your new relationship goals, and craft the latter with those personal goals in mind.Your goals should make you feel better about yourself and happier with your relationship to each other.

Set up a system of accountability. Be accountable to yourself and to each other. Reached milestones, dreams or goals? Noticed some improvement and progress? Celebrate it. Encourage one another to continue working hard with a rewards system.

Every relationship is unique, but there are some tips that can help in giving yours a boost. Even if they do not work perfectly for you the first time, consider it a starting point and springboard to try similar techniques.

Don’t know what kind of goals you can set? Here are some ideas, categorised into the different forms of relationships:

Things done with someone else have twice as much power compared to things done alone. Creating goals, accomplishing them, and setting new ones is not only healthy for your relationship(s), but it’s also fun!