Congratulations! If you’re reading this, you’ve made it to the 6th floor of the Sound Relationship House. While we are not at the very top yet and we are certainly not done putting work into the relationship, you have worked through some challenging moments to get to a point where you start communicating more effectively and making life dreams come true, both individually and as a partnership/family. While this floor often overlaps with the top floor (Creating Shared Meaning), I do believe it’s best to focus on one at a time to ensure you’re truly getting everything you want to and can out of your relationship.
Making life dreams come true within a relationship involves every level that came before this in the Sound Relationship House. It also is important to have an appropriate balance of mutual support, shared vision, and effective communication. When partners work together towards their individual and collective goals, they can strengthen their bond and create a truly fulfilling life together. Let’s take a look at some tools that may help make your life dreams come true.
Communicate openly and honestly
In order to start working towards your goals and dreams, it’s important to share and communicate them. Take the time to discuss your individual dreams and aspirations with your partner. Understand what each of you wants to achieve in life, so that you can start taking the steps to getting there.
Communication is also about listening actively and showing genuine interest in your partner’s dreams. Be open to their ideas and goals, even if they’re different from your own. Active listening can help build empathy and understanding throughout your relationship.
Create a shared vision
After talking through each of your individual dreams, focus on setting mutual goals together. Identify common goals that align with both of your values and dreams. This could include career achievements, travel plans, starting a family, building a home, etc.
As mentioned in a previous blog, consider creating a vision board together; a place where you both can visualize your shared dreams and aspirations. This can serve as a constant reminder and motivation.
Support each other
A big part of having a partner is having someone there to support you in all parts of life. Encourage and uplift each other during the pursuit of your dreams. Be each other’s biggest cheerleader, as that can help you each to achieve them.
While emotional support is very important, so is practical support. Offer practical help where possible, such as taking on more household responsibilities to allow your partner time to work on their goals, or providing financial support if feasible.
Plan and set milestones
It can help when you have a plan of action. Break down your goals into actionable steps and set realistic timelines. Outline what needs to be done and when so that you feel you are making active progress towards those goals.
Scheduling regular check-ins to discuss progress and reassess goals can be helpful in keeping both of you on the right track. Communicate and make any adjustments where necessary as well.
Be flexible and adaptable
Life can be unpredictable, and therefore it can be important to have the ability to adapt to change. Be willing to adapt and support each other through change and setbacks.
Also be prepared to make compromises. Sometimes individual goals may need to be adjusted to align with the relationship’s dynamics, which may require both of you to give a little where you are able to.
Celebrate achievements - both big and small
It’s important to acknowledge milestones. Celebrate the big and small victories together. Recognizing achievements boosts motivation and can help strengthen your bond. This can be done by rewarding one another, verbal acknowledgement, or other ways of recognition or celebration that you and your partner come up with together.
Invest in person growth
Encourage each other to pursue new skills and knowledge. Personal growth can enhance the ability to achieve both individual and collective dreams.
Self-care should still be a main focus during this time. Maintain a balance between working towards your goals and taking care of your physical and mental health.
Maintain a positive mindset
Our mindset can impact our behaviors and feelings. Try and focus on keeping a positive attitude and encourage each other even during tough times. Easier said than done but still important. Try and cultivate an optimistic outlook towards your dreams and goals. Believing in your ability to succeed is crucial.
By working together, supporting each other’s individual goals, and creating common objectives, partners can build a fulfilling life that honors both their dreams. The journey of achieving these dreams together can strengthen the relationship, bringing greater joy, fulfillment, and unity.
Written By,
Emily Blair, ALMFT
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