Mike and I are polar opposites in many ways. He’s the doer, the executioner, always spontaneous, while I thrive on planning and having a roadmap for everything, big or small. Initially, we thought our personality differences wouldn’t cause much trouble, but as small arguments escalated into bigger ones, we reached a point where our marriage felt unsustainable.
It wasn’t until we hit this breaking point that we realized something had to change. With the support of our circle of friends and a mutual willingness to work on ourselves, we embarked on a journey to become better partners to each other.
One major turning point for us was when we made the decision to truly work together towards a common goal. We sat down and defined our roles, acknowledging each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We made a conscious effort to tackle the steps needed to achieve our goal, whether they were big or small.
This decision marked a significant shift in our relationship dynamic. Instead of allowing our differences to drive us apart, we used them to complement each other. Mike’s spontaneity injected energy and excitement into our endeavors, while my planning ensured we stayed on track and avoided unnecessary pitfalls.
As we worked towards our shared goal, we discovered the power of collaboration and compromise. We learned to communicate more effectively, to listen to each other’s perspectives, and to find common ground even in the midst of disagreement.
Through this process, we not only achieved our goal but also strengthened our bond as a couple. We developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for each other’s unique qualities, recognizing that our differences are what make us stronger together.
A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." -
Mignon McLaughlin Tweet
1.) Begin with a shared goal: We kickstarted our journey by aligning our efforts towards growing our business together. Having a common purpose has given us direction and unity in our endeavors.
2.) Create vision boards: We visually map out our aspirations and dreams, keeping them at the forefront of our minds to stay motivated and focused on our shared vision.
3.) Start the day with gratitude: Each morning, we take a moment to express thanks together and set a positive tone for the day ahead. Prayer has become a cherished ritual that strengthens our bond and grounds us in gratitude.
4.) Schedule planning sessions: We dedicate time in the mornings to plan and strategize, ensuring that we’re on the same page and maximizing our productivity.
5.) Support personal goals: As each other’s accountability partners, we encourage and motivate one another to pursue personal growth and well-being, including health and fitness goals.
6.) Maintain boundaries: We prioritize keeping work out of the bedroom, allowing our intimate space to be a sanctuary for relaxation and connection.
7.) Foster individual growth: Recognizing the importance of personal development, we encourage each other to participate in separate mastermind groups or activities that nurture our individual interests and aspirations.
As I look back on our journey together, I’ve realized that relationships are all about ongoing learning. Every day, we’re growing and changing, and it’s essential to embrace that evolution. By making a deliberate effort to understand each other better and communicate openly every day, we strengthen our bond. When we work towards our shared goals together, it not only brings us closer but also makes our relationship a happy one!
If you're going through a rough patch in your relationship, I want you to know that you're not alone. While I'm not a professional or marriage counselor, I've learned a thing or two from my own journey with my partner. Every relationship is unique, and what works for us might not work for everyone. But here's what I've found: having a common goal can make all the difference. Find something that excites both of you, something that keeps you eager and engaged. And even though you might have your differences, try to find common ground and support each other along the way. Hang in there, and keep searching for that common purpose. I believe that with patience, understanding, and a shared goal, you can overcome any challenge together.
Samantha Guthrie