A Family Goals Statement is like a family constitution. It is a statement of your beliefs and your goals as a family. It is the definition of the course you want your family to take. Once you have that sense of direction, you can set your long- and short-term goals. You have the vision and values that direct your lives.

Like all families, your family needs to have a clear understanding of where you are going. When you follow a plan, each day will be in harmony with the vision you have of your lives. The steps you take will be in the right direction--toward your personal and family goals.

Define your goals. As a family, decide together what you really want to accomplish. If you don't define your goals, you can get caught up in the "busyness" of life and forget the things that really matter most to you. A great way to start is to create a Family Goals Statement.

Create a Family Goals Statement. It is important that all family members participate. Everyone should think of things they would like to include.

"The (Insert your family name) Family goal is to have each family member be happy. We will do this by being kind, obeying family rules, supporting one another and serving one another.

In all of our thoughts, words, and actions, we will try to be kind.

We will obey our family rules.

Our rules are: (Here make a simple list of family rules)

Our family will support each other in our interests and talents by attending one another's activities. We will give service to one another and our neighbors. And we will always love each other."

Someone in your family might say, "Let's be cheerful," or "Let's treat each other the way we want to be treated.,, Anything the family agrees is a good goal or belief can be added.

Once everyone agrees on the behaviors that are important to your family, write them down. It is your Goals Statement. Put it up somewhere in your home where it can be easily seen.

Discussion

Discuss how a Family Goals Statement can bring greater family happiness. Some answers might be, "Having a Goals Statement in our home will help us act better. Our goals will be on the wall where we can read them often' " Or, "With a Family Goals Statement, we'll feel more like a team working together toward family happiness."

Read your Family Goals Statement regularly. An ideal time to do this is at the beginning of your weekly family meeting, but any time is fine. Talk about how closely your actions match the goals you decided on as a family. Highlight areas of improvement and discuss as a family what is hindering progress.