The process of goal-setting motivates us to create new facets of our lives and improve our self-awareness. Goal-setting can be a celebration of self-love, or they can be career-focused. What many people don’t consider is setting goals for their relationships. 

Relationship goals can help you enrich the relationships in your life. You can also use them as a tool to create a healthier lifestyle for yourself. The key to implementing these new year’s relationship goals is accountability and sustaining consistent energy throughout the year. Let’s look at five ways you can move forward in your relationships with mindfulness and intention.

5 Ways to Move Forward with Intention

Get a pen and paper, or your favorite planning app, your partner, and sit down for a brainstorming session about what you want your relationship to look like in the new year. 

1. Explore how to better connect

Losing your connection with your partner can feel devastating, but you have the power to reconnect. This new year, talk about ways that you can make a point to connect with each other every day. You can accomplish this in any number of ways. You’ll need to decide on some methods that work for you. 

Check-in on your phone use. How much of your time on Instagram could you talk with your partner? You can set aside time each week to go on a date. This often works for couples who have extremely busy schedules. One of the easiest ways to connect with your partner each day is to set aside a couple of hours to just talk. You can do this first thing in the morning over coffee or at night just before you go to sleep.

2. Add some spice

It’s important to put some focus on how you can keep your relationship interesting. We are not doomed to have our relationships become stagnant. You both have significant control over the amount of excitement you have together. Some couples accomplish this by setting aside time each month to do something spontaneous. 

These little experimental experiences can create lasting memories and strengthen your bond. Consider talking about your sex life, too. Are you having enough sex for yourself? For your partner? This is an extremely important part of any relationship, and the new year is an opportunity to reset your expectations.

3. Mind your money

So many relationship debacles come down to money. You can head these arguments off by setting aside time each month to discuss finances. The beginning of the year is a great time to start holding these talks. You both likely have personal financial goals in place for the new year. 

Talk about how you can support one another with your personal goals while also honoring your goals as a couple. Is there a special trip you want to take? Talk about how you’re going to set aside money for that. Do you need to make space in your budget for your weekly date night? Discuss what that looks like for both of you. 

4. Talk about gratitude

Practicing daily gratitude is statistically shown to help reduce anxiety, manage depression symptoms, and enrich relationships. Take a little time each day to tell each other about why you appreciate one another. 

This can be pillow talk or sticky notes in someone’s lunch. Letting each other know each day that you still appreciate your partner for who they are and what they do. As the year drags on, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and feel like people take advantage of you. Assure your partner that you’re in their corner. 

5. Think about therapy

Couples’ therapy isn’t just for couples in turmoil. Couples who attend therapy together can create greater trust and understanding of one another. You can talk with a professional therapist about the goals you’ve set for yourself. They can help you find step-by-step ways to accomplish them that work with your lifestyle. Strengthen your relationship with a professional couples therapist this new year and enjoy all the benefits that come with it. I’m here to help, please reach out soon.