I last shared that I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking through the values and goals of my business. I’ve been reading books on small business, reworking my business plan, determining how my life goals match up with my business goals. It’s been quite the process. But it’s worth it because I want my business to succeed. I want it to have longevity and purpose and meaning. As I state those three words I can’t help but think about marriage. Isn’t that what I want for my marriage too? Isn’t that essentially what we all want? If we prepare this much for our careers, why don’t we do the same for our marriages?

John Gottman states that the more shared meaning a couple has with one another, the deeper, richer, and more rewarding their relationship will be. But what exactly does shared meaning consist of? It’s shared goals, values, and purpose. A common vision for life. A culture you create within your marriage that is all your own. A mission statement.

Mission statement (n): (1) An official statement of the aims and objectives of a business or organization. (2) A short statement of your goals and philosophies. (3) A personal constitution.

If mission statements are meant to guide you when making decisions, hold you accountable for the actions you take, and remind you of why you started the endeavor in the first place, then why not write one for your marriage? Shouldn’t we enter marriage armed with as much clarity, purpose, and vision as possible?

So, if you were to create a mission statement for your marriage, or your upcoming marriage, what would it say? What are your primary aims as a couple and for your family? What values do you most wish to uphold? What principles will you be lead by? Think about it. Discuss. Write it down. And remind yourselves of it often.

xo-Kristine

Reference taken from John Gottman, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, 1999.