Family Goals That Actually Stick—How to Set Values That Guide Your Year
Part 2: Setting Priorities—Values and Goals That Matter
I remember one night, after the kids were finally asleep and the house was quiet, my husband and I sat down with a notebook and a cup of coffee. We started talking about what we wanted for our family—not just what we wanted to do but who we wanted to be.
That moment shifted everything for us. We realized that values like patience, faith, and serving others weren’t just qualities we wanted to teach our kids—they were things we needed to actively live out as parents. That conversation gave us clarity, but more than that, it gave us direction. It reminded us that parenting with purpose doesn’t mean having it all figured out; it means being intentional, even in the mess.
Focus on Values First
Now that you’ve read Part 1, let’s get into some planning! Before we talk about goals, we talk about values. What do we want our home to reflect this year? Patience? Kindness? Generosity? We pray over this part because it shapes everything else we plan.
Setting family goals that stick starts here—with the values we want to live out as a family. It’s not just about checking off accomplishments; it’s about creating a rhythm and foundation that keeps us focused when life gets busy. Family goals that stick are built on values that matter and guide our decisions throughout the year.
A few examples we’ve focused on:
- Teaching our kids to serve others and love people well.
- Prioritizing time for rest and togetherness.
- Building consistency in faith routines like family prayer or Bible reading.
For us, this step was huge because we didn’t just want to survive the year—we wanted to grow through it. Values give us something to measure against, and let’s be honest, they keep us accountable when things get messy (because they will). We know what we’re aiming for, and it helps us focus our energy where it matters most. Setting family goals that stick means aligning what we do with what we truly value.
Set Goals That Fit Your Season
Goals don’t have to be groundbreaking—they just need to matter for this season. Think about what your family needs right now. Family goals that stick come from understanding the unique needs of your home and letting those goals guide your plans.
- Personal Goals: Encourage each family member to share something they want to work on—reading more books, learning a new skill, or strengthening friendships.
- Family Goals: Create shared goals—more dinners around the table, exploring nature together, or even budgeting better as a team.
- Spiritual Goals: Focus on growing closer to God as a family, like memorizing scripture or starting a devotional.
Scripture to Guide Goal Setting:
- Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
- Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
The key to creating family goals that stick? Make it practical. Write them down. Hang them somewhere visible. And don’t stress about doing it all at once—growth is a process.