We created a simple Family Goal Guide with 3 easy steps to focus on Jesus Christ today!

As you set New Year’s goals and resolutions, don’t overlook this key area of your family’s well-being.

First, why are spiritual family goals important, and how to get started in one night!

January is the perfect time to create a fresh plan or revive your already-awesome routines with an intentional discussion on how to grow closer to the Savior as a family and individually. (But whether it is January or November, it is never too late or too early to set goals focused on Jesus Christ.)

Do you love the feeling of new beginnings and opportunity as much as we do? There is something so magical about staying up until midnight to celebrate fresh starts and potential growth, just don’t get us started on the pain of having multiple sleep deprived children the next day.If you have any solutions for getting kids who stay up late to sleep in the next day, let us know in the comments!

Have you set any goals or resolutions yet? Maybe you plan to exercise or get outside more? Research states that almost half of Americans set at least one New Year’s goal. Many of these are physical, financial, or emotional goals. However, as a Christian the most important goals you need to set, and have maybe overlooked, are the ones that improve your Spiritual Well-being. Working as a family to set goals in this key area can help you grow closer as a family as you grow closer to God. We are here to show you how to get started with three simple steps in just one night! 

1. Create a Faith-Focused Family Vision
2. Set SMART Spiritual Family Goals
3. Build Daily Faith Habits

1. Create a Faith-Focused Family Vision

If you feel like your family is just surviving or passing each day without any real purpose, now is a great time to take the first step towards living with more direction and unity. The first step is to create a faith-focused family vision. A faith-focused family vision unites everyone with a common purpose, keeping God at the center of your lives.

Creating a shared vision can be very simple, the key is to write it down and display it somewhere everyone in the family can see (for younger children this could include pictures or visuals!) 

• Hold a family meeting and set a few basic goals that will help your family focus on God. We recommend including snacks to keep everyone engaged and excited. [Check out our Free Family Goal Guide to Focus on Jesus Christ for more recommendations.] 

• Write a simple faith statement, such as: “Our family will honor God through daily prayer, acts of kindness, and studying His Word together.”

• Display your faith statement in a visible spot, like the kitchen or living room, to serve as a daily reminder. If you have younger children including visuals is a great idea. 

2. Set SMART Spiritual Family Goals

Almost half of Americans may set New Year’s goals, but only 9% of those that do complete those goals. Why is the number so low, and what can you do to make sure your family sticks with your vision and goals? 

There are a few key things that can help. 

• Set SMART goals. First, a quick review of what this acronym stands for:
  S=Specific, M=Measurable, A=Attainable, R=Relevant and T=Time-based.

Pyramid Healthcare says, “Setting SMART goals as a family has enormous benefits. Aside from the support and accountability that come with embracing goals as a united tribe, you will also create lasting bonds. The memories and relationships that come out of your goal setting (and achieving) experience will strengthen your ties to each other. Once you set and accomplish your first round of goals, your family is also more likely to keep up with the habit. They will feel comfortable and confident in making more goals as a group.” 

Our free Family Goal Guide to Focus on Jesus Christ includes SMART sheets to help you as you set your goals!

• Write your goals down! Dr. Gail Matthews of Dominican University states that writing down your goals increases the likelihood of completing them by 42%. Although not researched, we would also recommend displaying them next to your family vision where they can be a constant visual reminder. 

3. Build Daily Faith Habits

As you work towards your goals, new faith based activities will naturally become habit.  

Incorporating small, consistent, spiritual habits into your daily routine makes faith a natural part of life. Don’t try to change everything at once, but if you take the first step today by the end of this year you might be surprised how much your family has grown spiritually!

Here is a list of some activities you could include. 

• Morning Devotions: Begin each day with a short prayer or Bible verse. Consider using devotional books tailored for children. We have a few great options here! 

• Mealtime Gratitude: Before meals, take turns sharing one thing you’re thankful for and thanking God together.

• Bedtime Prayers: End the day with a family prayer or reflection. Encourage kids to share their joys, worries, and blessings.

• Engage in Family Worship Activities (like reading scriptures before bed)

• Serve and Grow Together

Pro Tip: Keep these practices simple and age-appropriate to make them sustainable for everyone.

Conclusion

Faith at home is nurtured through shared vision, spiritual goals, and intentional habits that lead to a Christ-centered environment. By starting small and celebrating your progress, you’ll create a lasting legacy of faith for your family. 

To help you get started, download our free Family Goal Guide to Focus on Jesus Christ – a practical tool for organizing your family’s spiritual goals, activities, and reflections.

Would you like step-by-step guidance on using the Family Goal Guide to Focus on Jesus Christ or additional resources? Let us know in the comments below!