Family Playbook - 2019 Edition
On December 14th Kelsey and I took the day off and did something that we’ve been doing for the past 7 years or so. We spent some time reflecting on the previous year and laying the ground work for a great 2019. There is no way that it happens on it’s own. We intentionally pause this time of the year to talk about the upcoming year and the important goals that we have individually, as well as the goals we have for our family.
And while talking, dreaming and scheming is fun, putting the plan into action can sometimes be the most challenging. That’s where we take the goals to the next level by detailing what needs to happen in order to meet our objectives. We put action steps in place. When it’s all said and done, we have a family playbook we can refer to when other opportunities come up or we need to make a shift. At that point we look back at our playbook to see how it fits within our original plan and go from there.
Reviewing the past
I’m always amazed at the things we accomplish after putting them on paper. This past year was no exception. Here are a few of the things we were able to check off our list from last year’s meeting…
I biked over 1,100 miles (goal was 1,000)
I read 16 books (goal was 15)
Kelsey celebrated her 35th birthday with a girls dinner
Kelsey finished reading the Bible
We saw Hamilton when it came to Des Moines
Spent 17 nights in Okoboji
Bought Kelsey a new minivan with cash
Family membership to the YMCA (working on those health goals as a family)
Some of those goals had big financial price tags (like buying a minivan), but some of them didn’t. One thing I really enjoy about putting together our yearly playbook is hearing what’s on Kelsey’s heart and the things she wants to accomplish. This allows me some time to hear her and find ways that I can support her. As life gets busy with two kids, it’s a constant balancing act between feeling like I’m being a good Dad and a good Husband at the same time.
Looking forward to 2019
As we completed our playbook earlier in December, we have one big item on the agenda for 2019 that we are all excited for… we are planning a road trip to Charleston, SC to visit friends. 18 hours of driving with a 7 year old (at that time) and a 3.5 year old. We are excited and already exhausted thinking about it.
A few other plans include an increased total miles to my biking goal, a weekend girls trip for Kelsey/family, and a weekend trip with my brothers in law too!
I hope you’ve hit all your goals for 2018… still a few more hours in the US left if you haven’t ;). If you haven’t and want to start 2019 off with a bang, check out the Family Playbook. Give your goals the time they deserve to bloom and flourish in the new year.