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Unlocking the Combination to Family Success

Family success is a complex and multifaceted concept, but it is one that is important to many people. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what family success looks like, but there are some key ingredients that are essential for any family that wants to achieve its goals. The combination is: 

A vision + A Plan + Discipline + {Committed} Consistency = Family Success.

Vision

The first step on the journey to family success is to have a shared vision. What does your family want to achieve? What are your values and priorities? Once you have a clear understanding of your vision, you can begin to develop a plan to achieve it.

Plan

Once you have a vision, you need to develop a plan. This plan should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. It should also be flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances.

Discipline

Discipline is essential for achieving any goal, and family success is no exception. Family members need to be disciplined in their efforts to achieve their goals. This means setting aside time and energy to work on the plan, even when it is difficult or inconvenient.

Committed Consistency

Family success is not a sprint; it is a marathon. It takes time, effort, and commitment to achieve lasting success. Family members need to be committed to the plan and to each other, even when things get tough.

Engaging in Family Goal Setting Behaviors

One of the key ways to achieve family success is to engage in family goal setting behaviors. This means working together as a family to identify and set goals, and then developing and implementing a plan to achieve those goals.

Here are some tips for engaging in family goal setting behaviors:

  • Have a family meeting. This is a great opportunity to discuss your family’s vision and values and to start brainstorming goals.
  • Get everyone involved. Everyone in the family should have a say in setting goals. This will help to ensure that everyone is committed to the plan.
  • Make your goals specific. The more specific your goals are, the easier it will be to develop a plan to achieve them.
  • Set realistic goals. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting goals that are too difficult to achieve.
  • Break down your goals into smaller steps. This will make them seem less daunting and more manageable.
  • Set deadlines for yourselves. This will help keep you and/or your family on track and moving towards your goals.
  • Celebrate your successes. When you achieve a goal, take some time to celebrate your success. This will help keep you motivated and moving forward.

Family goal setting can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family. By working together to set and achieve goals, families can create a strong foundation for success.

Conclusion

Family success is not easy to achieve, but it is definitely possible. By following the equation of vision + plan + discipline + committed consistency, families can set and achieve their goals and create a successful and fulfilling life together.

Notes
Contributors

profajames

Anthony G. James, Jr. holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in human development and family studies from the University of Missouri and a B.S. in Sociology (with a minor in Military Science) from Lincoln University (MO). He is an associate professor in the Department of Family Science & Social Work at Miami University. He is the editor-in-chief of Marriage and Family Review. Dr. James’s research and thought leadership has appeared in Diverse Issue in Higher Education, TIME, and the Thrive Center for Human Development blog. He is the editor of Black Families: A Systems Approach, co-editor of Essays of Advice, and author of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: A Practical Guide.

Prof. A James Jr.
Prof. A James Jr.

Anthony James Jr. is a professor at Miami University in the Department of Family Science and Social Work. He is the founder and director of the Center for the Scientific Study of Families.

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