What’s a Marriage Mission Statement, and Why Should You Have One?
Imagine you and your partner are embarking on an epic journey together, and instead of a GPS, you’ve got a mission statement. Think of it as a roadmap for your relationship—a personal guide that keeps you both on the same page about what truly matters in your marriage.
A marriage mission statement is like a vision statement for your relationship. It’s where you lay out the values, goals, and dreams you both want to pursue, making sure you’re growing in the same direction. And here’s the thing: it’s not just an abstract idea. Creating one together can seriously deepen your connection and make navigating life’s twists and turns way easier.
Why Even Bother with a Mission Statement?
- Shared Vision and Alignment: By putting your shared values and goals in writing, you’re ensuring you’re not just living parallel lives but are genuinely in sync.
- Stronger Commitment: Knowing you’ve both contributed to this mission makes it easier to stay grounded, even when things get tough.
- A Handy Guide for Decision-Making: When big choices come up, like career changes or family decisions, your mission statement serves as a north star.
- Support and Clarity: Whether it’s celebrating wins or dealing with disagreements, a mission statement brings clarity and helps you remember why you’re in this together.
How to Create Your Marriage Mission Statement: The Basics
The creation process is simple and meaningful, like a shared project that brings you closer. Here’s how to get started:
1. Pick a Chill, Distraction-Free Time
Set aside an evening or weekend when you’re both relaxed. No phones, no interruptions. This is your moment to dream out loud together.
2. Discuss Your Core Values
Each partner should get a chance to share what they really value. Is it trust? Adventure? Family? Independence? Jot these down. They’ll form the foundation of your mission.
3. Set Some Shared Goals
What do you both want to achieve as a couple? Maybe you’re all about building a family, or you dream of traveling the world together. List out these goals so you can both be working toward them intentionally.
4. Establish Your Priorities
Decide what comes first in your life together. Do you want to prioritize family time? Financial independence? Career growth? Figuring out your priorities helps keep both partners satisfied and seen.
5. Make Commitments to Each Other
These are the promises that reflect your dedication. Maybe it’s committing to open communication, or pledging to support each other’s dreams. These commitments are the glue that keeps you grounded, especially during rough patches.
Crafting Your Statement Together
With all your ideas out there, start putting them into a sentence or two. Don’t worry about making it perfect right away. This should feel authentic to who you both are—think of it like a creative expression of your relationship. Here’s a simple formula to get started:
“We commit to [value 1] and [value 2] by [goals/activities]. Our marriage will prioritize [priorities], and we pledge to [commitments].”
Need Some Inspo?
- Example 1: “We commit to growth, honesty, and kindness. Together, we’ll build a home filled with love, prioritize our family, and encourage each other’s dreams.”
- Example 2: “Our marriage is a journey of joy, adventure, and trust. We’ll prioritize experiences over things and choose to see every challenge as a chance to grow closer.”
Feel free to tweak these to suit your unique values!
Making Your Mission Statement Part of Everyday Life
It’s one thing to write a mission statement; it’s another to make it part of your daily lives. Here are a few ways to keep it alive and well:
- Weekly Check-Ins: Set aside time each week to chat about how things are going. This could be over coffee or during a walk. Reflect on how you’re each contributing to the mission, and make adjustments if needed.
- Create a Visual Reminder: Print your mission statement and frame it. Put it somewhere you’ll see daily, like your bedroom or kitchen. This visual reminder reinforces your commitment.
- Special Moments & Anniversaries: Revisit your mission statement during special occasions. Anniversaries or other milestones are perfect times to reflect on how far you’ve come and update your mission if needed.
A Mission Statement That Grows with You
Life isn’t static, and neither is your relationship. As you both grow and change, so will your mission statement. Major life changes like starting a family, moving, or career changes may prompt you to revisit your mission and adjust it to reflect where you’re headed. This doesn’t mean you’re not committed; it means you’re adapting as life happens.
Using Your Mission Statement When Life Gets Complicated
Your mission statement isn’t just there to look pretty. It’s a real tool that can help guide big decisions. Here’s how it can come in handy:
- Big Choices: When you’re debating a big life decision, ask yourselves how each option aligns with your mission. If quality time is a priority, will that demanding job help or hurt your goal?
- Conflict Resolution: Disagreements are normal, but your mission statement can keep things in perspective. Revisit your shared values and commitments to remind yourselves of the bigger picture.
- Finding Compromise: Your mission can help you see the bigger picture, making compromise feel more like teamwork than sacrifice.
Wrapping It Up: Why a Mission Statement Matters
A marriage mission statement is more than just words on paper—it’s your shared commitment, a roadmap, and a powerful reminder of what you’re building together. By revisiting and refining it as you both grow, you’re keeping your relationship aligned with who you are today and where you want to go tomorrow.
Ultimately, a strong mission statement helps you live out a marriage that’s meaningful, resilient, and full of purpose. So grab some coffee, sit down with your partner, and start dreaming about the life you want to create together. You’ll be amazed at how powerful it can be!
