It is that time of year when people are focused on their goals and assessing who they want to become. #NewYearNewMe is trending, so what are you reflecting on to change? What is a piece that is missing from your plan? For a lot of you, I’m guessing a missing piece to your resolution is a specific focus on your relationship.
As time progresses, you have to change to adapt to the new times. While people talk about this being true during a pandemic, I believe this actually happens all the time. This last year the conversation was focused on the pandemic because it was more apparent than the typical changes. In reality, you are constantly developing new resiliency skills to acclimate to the changing world.
The same is true for your relationship – it must adapt to keep up with the changing world. Sometimes people talk about how their relationship had a past of being strong and supportive, and yet they do not feel that support anymore. What happens that changes this support?
I believe that the skillset you had was a foundational piece of your relationship that has not adapted to the new environment in which your relationship lives. Just like people, animals, plants, or even machines or architecture are all impacted by our environments, our relationships can be obstructed, too!
To start this activity, think of your relationship as one unit. Yes, your relationship is broken into you and your partner (with equal and important lives of their own), and it is also a collection of the two of you. Together, you make up your relationship. Together, this relationship needs to be resilient.
- Think about the changes you have experienced on your own.
- Now think about the changes your partner has experienced.
- Lastly, think about how all those changes collectively impacted your relationship’s resiliency.
No wonder there are some things you want to adjust in your relationship!
Your Relationship Goals Are Your Responsibility
To create your new year’s relationship goal, think about the relationship you desire to create. Picture the daily rituals of connection that help that desire come to life. Now the big takeaway here: your focus should be on your specific role!
- What is my individual role in making that goal come to life?
- What are my specific tasks (that I alone am responsible for) to create the relationship we desire?
The goal of these questions is to take some ownership here. A combined goal is a solid idea, but the missing piece is often your responsibility to make it happen.
Goal Responsibility
Make the goal the specific activities, behaviors, or thoughts you need to do to make it come to life.
Example:
Relationship goal:
- Spending more time together
Individual responsibility:
- I will brainstorm more getaways for my partner
- I will create romantic monthly date nights
- I will save up $xxx.xx per month to put towards a nice vacation
- I can connect with my partner every day after work
- I will reflect on my partner’s experiences throughout the week
The purpose here: take some ownership of your role in making your relationship goal come to life!
Stay Connected and Grow Together!
I’m thrilled to see you’ve found value in “Your Relationship New Year’s Resolution.” Sharing knowledge and insights on relationships, personal growth, and mental health is a journey I’m deeply passionate about, and it’s heartwarming to have you along for the ride. To ensure you never miss out on the latest strategies to enrich your relationship and personal well-being, I invite you to join me on my social media platforms. There, I post regular updates, engaging tips, and inspiring stories to support your journey toward a stronger, healthier relationship and personal growth.
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Your engagement and support fuel my commitment to bringing more insightful content your way. I’m eager to connect with you across these platforms, sharing and learning together as we navigate the challenges and triumphs of improving our relationships and ourselves.
Explore More Insights!
Curious to delve deeper into therapy, relationships, and personal development? My blog offers a treasure trove of articles designed to guide you through enhancing your connections and fostering personal growth. Check out more blog posts for invaluable insights and practical tips. Together, let’s embark on this enriching journey toward a happier, more fulfilled life and relationship.