Family and Friends: Strengthening the Bonds That Matter
Family and Friends. Vision and Values. The people with whom you surround yourself have the power to influence your thoughts, emotions, and even your actions. Are you being intentional about who you let into your space? Are you nurturing the relationships that truly matter?
As you go through the Family and Friends worksheet, consider the following:
- Who in your life genuinely supports and uplifts you?
- Are your relationships based on obligation or true connection?
- Do you feel valued and heard by those you say are friends?
- How are you showing up for the people you say matter most?
- Are you solely relying on social media “so called friends” to lift you up?
Strong relationships don’t just happen—they take effort. They are not manufactured by social media. They take more than an emoji or a click of a mouse. They require honesty, boundaries, and presence.
Quarterly & Monthly Goals for Family & Friends
When setting quarterly goals, think of the bigger picture. What do you want to improve or focus on in your relationships over the next three months? Your quarterly goal should be broad yet meaningful; something that aligns with your vision and values.
For example:
- Deepen my most important friendships by spending intentional time together.
- Create healthier boundaries with family members to protect my energy.
- Strengthen my relationship with my partner through better communication.
Once you have your quarterly goal, break it down into monthly goals that help you achieve it. Think of these as specific focus areas that move you closer to your overall vision.
For example, if your quarterly goal is to deepen friendships, your monthly goals might be:
- Month 1: Reach out to a different friend each week to reconnect.
- Month 2: Plan an in-person gathering or virtual meetup. Get it on the calendar.
- Month 3: Express gratitude by writing appreciation messages to those who matter most.
How to Set Weekly & Daily Small Actions
Now that you have a quarterly goal and monthly focus areas, it’s time to bring them to life through small, consistent, weekly and daily actions.
- Weekly actions: These should be simple but impactful. For example:
- Call or text a friend to check in.
- Set a boundary by saying “No” to an obligation that drains you.
- Plan a meaningful activity with a loved one.
- Daily actions: These are the tiny habits that reinforce your commitment.
- Send a quick note of appreciation.
- Take five minutes to reflect on how your relationships feel.
- Practice active listening in a conversation.
By focusing on small, consistent, intentional steps, you can build stronger, healthier relationships without feeling overwhelmed.
In the next post, I’ll continue exploring the next essential theme on this journey. If you’re doing this with me, let’s stay committed and keep moving forward—one step at a time.
Francine D. Ward
Attorney-at-Law, Author, Speaker
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