Reflect on your families’ present state. In many cases you know that you need to change the way you are managing your family. You can’t always put your finger on what is making you frustrated, unsettled or down. Your own desires can be muddied by concern for your children or spouse and by simply being out of touch with your feelings.
I find that the best way to do this is to write down my thoughts, concerns and desires.
I know that this is not easy for everyone so, you may want to follow the following strategies;
Make a diary of a day in your life. Write down from the moment you and your family wake what happens and how it makes you feel. Pretend you are talking to a close friend at the end of a hard day.
Sum up the present state of your life as though you are writing a letter to a very close friend and catching them up on what is going on in your life at this time. Limit this to one or two pages.
Create your own wish list. Be outrageous. It would pay to divide it up according to what is possible, likely, requires a miracle then short and long term goals. Be positive, as what limits us most in life is our thoughts and fears of failure.
‘What if I only had one year to live?’ I ask myself this question when I need perspective in my life, as should you. Map out what you can do to ensure your families future and the direction that you desire for your children.
Personal values. Write down what you care most about and what your philosophies are. How does it relate to the family as a unit and each member individually. Evaluate your children’s responsibilities to themselves and others? What motivates each one of you most? What is the balance you believe should be for work, family and friends?
Once you have had a chance to review everything that you have written down it will be time to come up with a plan of action. When listing your final plan and goals, make sure your plan has the following:
Specific time frames. Put specific times in which each undertaking should be completed by.
Attainability – Your goals should be in sink with your personal strengths and weaknesses.
Measure it – Don’t be general. Set a specific goal and its outcome
