It’s that time of the year when we all begin to think about how the upcoming year will be different. Better. I know it’s been on my mind quite a bit lately. And although I am not a fan of resolutions, I am a huge fan of setting goals and creating an action plan to help reach those goals.
Many of my goals for the new year are personal goals. Personal development is what most of us tend to focus on, which we should. When we are able to change on a personal level, the effects of that change are felt in all areas of our lives, including our marriages.
You can’t put yourself last on the list of priorities and expect your marriage to improve. It just doesn’t work that way.
When it comes to what goals you should focus on in the new year, that decision is a very personal one. You have to think about what areas of your life need the most improvement. You also have to think about what type of change will have the most impact in your life.
Now if one of your goals for the new year is to strengthen your marriage, you have to focus on personal goals to make that happen. You can’t put yourself last on the list of priorities and expect your marriage to improve.
Related: 5 Ways Worrying About Yourself and Not Your Spouse Can Improve Your Marriage
It just doesn’t work that way. When you put some serious effort into who you are as a person, then, and only then, will you be able to work on your relationship.
Here are 3 personal goals that won’t just make you a better woman, but will also help you have a happier marriage in the new year.
Build your physical strength
People always focus on weight loss, but as a woman who has successfully lost weight in the past, I can tell you that it’s not just about losing pounds. What felt even better than the smaller waistline was my newfound strength.
The tone in my arms, the strength in my legs—all of it gave me an incredible sense of confidence. When you are able to build physical strength, it has a tremendous impact on your sense of self and how you interact with others. Building confidence and strength will change who you are, and that will change how you interact with your husband in a powerful way.
Meditate regularly
Meditation is difficult for many people to do at all, let alone regularly. But there is no question that the consistence practice of meditating can change your life. Meditation can give you clarity and peace of mind.
Related: Prayer for Our Marriages
With your mind in a clear and peaceful state, you are best prepared to manage any problems you may have in your marriage. When you try to work on any relationship with a cluttered mind, you can’t make much progress. Clarity breeds progress. Make meditation a goal for 2016, and you will see your marriage (and every other relationship that matters) shift into a better space.
Schedule time for self-care
Self-care is often mentioned as something we all need to focus on, yet so many of us don’t. We still live in a world where women give and give without taking the time to replenish and reenergize. But we must.
If we don’t, we become exhausted, frustrated, discouraged, resentful, and sometimes even depressed. Until you truly make self-care a personal goal that you follow through on, you will not be able to give the other areas of your life your best.
Once you take care of yourself with genuine love and care, you have what it takes to care for others in the same way. No one is getting the truest happiest version of who you are if you are not caring for yourself. Once you are at your best, you can finally give your marriage your best
BMWK ladies, what personal goals do you plan to set for the new year?