Date of the Planning Session: How to Plan a Year
We joke that our kids will go to therapy one day and say “We couldn’t even go to Disneyland without a spreadsheet!” And while it may be true, we like a good spreadsheet. However, we’ve also learned life doesn’t always have to be so granular to make the big things you want happen. When it’s time to plan the new year for our family, we make it a date.
Couple Annual PlanningWe’ve learned if we want the family vacations to happen, the projects we’re dreaming of, resolutions, and want to make the most of the year, an annual planning meeting for our family is a big key to making sure it all happens! It doesn’t cost much to have an annual family planning meeting. You can plan a date at home or go out for a date. It’s basically a strategy meeting, just like in a business, but with the family’s calendar, budget and goals as the focus. It’s important to gain some perspective and alignment on the year ahead, and to lean on one another as a team and support system.
A meeting that is successful usually results in an action plan, after brainstorming the roadmap and strategic goals for the upcoming year. Think of it as an official time where you are working together to achieve desired outcomes. Plan goals and schedules. Tips to make it a fun and productive date
Start with a formal time.
Some couples spend the entire day together. Some couples only need to plan for a few short hours. Set yourself up for success with a strategic planning session.
Make sure you’re both in a good mood, not over tired, and ready to share your hopes and dreams as you plan for the year ahead.
Include some fun! We love to order takeout, or eat out and plan together while enjoying something delicious. It shouldn’t be like you are forcing participation and setting ground rules. It should feel like a fun date and encourage participation. How to Plan Your Year Together
Set A Location
We already mentioned planning a time. But you should also get a location. You can do this at home, on your couch. You can go to a café. Some couples like to reserve a place in a library or college classroom that has a whiteboard.
Get a calendar. This can be a digital calendar (we like Google Calendar), a wall-mounted calendar or a printable that you print out and use as a rough outline. A visual calendar will help you to plan your year. Plan for Collaboration
We know that many couples divide up family chores. As an example, I plan the meals and order groceries, while my spouse takes care of the car maintenance, including weekly washings. It is possible to accomplish more by dividing up responsibilities and coordinating the logistics.
We all know that sometimes, one person is more responsible for budgeting. It is possible that one person plans more of the family’s schedule. There is nothing wrong about this. This is the time to check in and give kind and helpful feedback.
Be sure to both be committed to making it fun and useful. Give feedback and engage in helpful engagement. Remember to be professional and that you both have valuable ideas and insights. Topics to Cover in a Planning Meeting.
- This is a rough outline for topics to cover during a planning meeting. It can be used as a template to plan a quarterly or annual meeting.
Current situation - Does something in your family just not work? What is causing your family stress? Do you need to budget more? Talk about the complexities that you and your team need to tackle during planning. You will feel more involved in the family and your life. Budgets
Does your budget reflect the current situation? Do you have debts that you would like to pay? Have you made a financial plan for the next three years? You must also include, do you have a budget set aside for date nights, family fun and other resources that you may both need to lead a fulfilling life? Spend some time discussing your finances and how you are currently doing with expenses. Calendar Events - This one is big! Take the time to write down all of your known events on a paper or digital calendar. We will start by creating a calendar overview. Put it in the calendar if you know that you will be going on an annual business trip. Do you know the week of your family reunion? Put it in your calendar!
Take the time to write down everyone’s birthdate. Plan any (or most) of your plans in advance and make sure everyone is aware. Plan for Fun
Does Disneyland sound appealing to you this year? Do you have any plans for a trip with your family? This is the perfect time to discuss this in a planning session! Now is the time to start planning the execution of the things that you want to achieve. Find a suitable time by looking at your schedule. Set short-term and longer-term goals so that you can make your desired outcomes a reality. Block off Time
- We set a goal of going on a date every week, no matter what. It’s our vision as a couple. As romantic as it sounds, it won’t happen without strategic planning and scheduling. Every Friday, we put a notice on the calendar that it is date night.
We try to schedule a date night each week where we can go out with our children as a family and also on parent-child dates. It can be as simple as going on a road trip. They can be fun things like going to a game of basketball. We try to block out some time to spend with each other and our children.
Talk about Personal Goals.
We use this time often to discuss goals that we have set for ourselves. We might need each other’s help. My husband is working towards a professional certificate, which means I have to spend a night away from my family preparing for the test. In one year, I wanted to run the marathon and he was in charge of home and family the next morning. Even if you do not need to be aware of time constraints, it is nice to have a buddy who you can check up with. Make Your Planning Session Work For You - You are free to add or remove anything that does not work for you. Many people like to make a vision or bucket list for their couple. Many people use this time to make sure they are on the same page regarding their calendars and scheduled time. We know that a strategic meeting agenda will help you to create a better relationship and life together.
Check out these family resources too:
365 Dates to Do this Year
52 Fun Family Dates
