Start 2026 Strong: Plan Your Shared Vision Together

New year, new goals!

We're just 4 days into the new year, and if you haven't sat down with your spouse yet, there’s still time to start the year off right with planning. As your marriage coaches, Steve and I know firsthand the power of shared vision and purpose.

It’s so easy for the spouse responsible for a particular family area to set goals for that specific area on their own. Maybe you’ve been there—one person presenting a plan, and the other nodding along, but without true investment. We understand. But you may be surprised to learn that alignment of goals and a shared vision create even more discipline and resilience in a marriage. When both spouses grasp reason for a shared goal, their investment in its success deepens significantly.

Over the recent winter break, Steve and I set aside time for a “Vision Date.” This enjoyable, yet important, time allowed us to discuss our shared goals, visions, and even dreams, in depth. We discussed how to achieve them this year, or even within the next five years, taking action each year. We set aside plenty of time, enjoyed a good meal and coffee, and ensured we had no distractions. Because we developed these goals together, we now share an even greater enthusiasm in pursuing them together. 

We discussed everything from financial freedom to relationship health, and family goals (both shared and personal). We even got our children involved in the family goals that pertain to them, such as our “family connection times,” as well as any individual goals they might have. That shared ownership makes all the difference. For example, when we set a goal for a new savings amount, it wasn't just "his" goal—it was our shared purpose for a more secure future, which makes us both more committed to cutting out unnecessary spending.

This principle of planning and clarity is rooted in Scripture. The Bible tells us to "Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it." (Habakkuk 2:2, ESV) This verse, originally a prophetic instruction to Habakkuk, reminds us that clear documentation of a vision is essential for purposeful action. When you and your spouse write out your shared vision and make your goals plain, you create a roadmap that you both can run toward with focus and accountability.

Here are three practical steps you can take this week to write your vision together and make it plain:

1. Schedule the Time and Set the Mood: Don't try to squeeze this in during dinner cleanup. Schedule a specific 60-90 minute "Vision Date" this week. Turn off your phones, grab some coffee, and meet in a comfortable place. Make it feel like a priority.

2. Cover the Core Areas: Don't limit yourselves. Use three categories to guide your discussion:

   • Financial: Savings, debt repayment, investment, or a big purchase goal.

   • Relationship/Spiritual: Date night frequency, prayer routine, conflict resolution method.

   • Personal/Family: Health goals, a trip you want to take, a new skill to learn, or a home project.

3. Document and Post It: Don't just talk—write it down. Use a simple document, a whiteboard, or even a poster board. Once it's finalized, put it somewhere you both see daily—like the fridge or your bedroom mirror. This is your "plain tablet" that you can run toward.

We are so excited to see how God prospers your marriage this year, in every aspect of your lives together for His glory. Don't put this off! Take action today and schedule that Vision Date.