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GOAL SETTING WORKSHEET FOR COUPLES
General Instructions:
Print two copies of this worksheet. Each spouse should complete Steps 1 and 2 on his or her own. Steps 3
and 4 should be completed together.
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Step 1
Several dimensions of life are listed in the first column. For each dimension, brainstorm goals you would
like to achieve. You’re brainstorming, so don’t place limits on the number or nature of the goals you list.
Identify goals you’d like to target personally in the second column and goals you’d like to target as a
couple in the third column.
Dimension
Personal goal ideas
Couple goal ideas
Financial
Example goal topics:
budgeting, investing,
and saving for a
purchase.
Household
Example goal topics:
menu planning, home
improvement
projects, and lawn
care.
Physical
Example goal topics:
exercise, healthy
eating, and stress
management.
Social
Example goal topics:
hosting a block party,
getting to know
neighbors, and
hospitality.
Spiritual
Example goal topics:
memorizing Bible
verses, prayer, and
family devotions.
Marriage &
personal
enrichment
Example goal topics:
joining a club, finding
a hobby, and reading
a book.
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Step 2
Because you have finite time and energy, it is generally useful to limit the number of goals you set.
Consider the goals you identified in Step 1. Beginning with the personal column, circle or highlight the
one or two goals in each dimension that you most wish to target. Do the same in the couple column,
keeping in mind that you will soon compare your ideas for couple goals to those of your spouse and
together come to consensus.
Step 3
Compare your table from Step 1 to your spouse’s table. First, discuss both of your personal goals. Provide
feedback to one another regarding the suitability of these. Make adjustments as you prepare to
document your individual goals on the Personal Goals table under Step 4. Second, discuss the couple
goals you each identified during Step 1. Work together to merge your ideas for couple goals as you
prepare to document them on the Couple Goals table under Step 4.
Step 4
Keep the following in mind as you document your goals on the Personal Goals and Couple Goals tables
(these are on the following pages).
Goals should be specific and measurable. For example, “eat more fruit” is vague and difficult to
measure. However, “eat two servings of fruit each day” is specific and measurable.
Be sure to specify the date by which you will achieve a goal or, if it is an ongoing action or
behavior, indicate how often you will complete it. For example, if you’re going to pay off a debt,
indicate the date by which you’ll pay it off. Likewise, if your goal involves jogging, you’ll want to
document how frequently you’ll jog.
Use the third column in the Personal Goals and Couple Goals tables to document the specific tasks that
will help you achieve success. Remember to select only as many goals as you feel you can handle. You can
always add additional goals later.
Once you’ve selected your goals, review them frequently to keep them at the forefront of your mind.
Implement your key tasks for success and achieve your goals!
Examples:
Dimension
Goal
Key tasks for success
Physical
Eat at least 2 servings of fruit
each day.
Check the ads each week to see which
fruits are on sale. Look up fruit recipes.
Jog 2 miles on 4 days of each
week.
Identify a running buddy. Buy new
running shoes.
Financial
Give a tithe of every paycheck
to the church.
Set up an automatic payment to the
church.
Finish paying off the car loan by
the end of the year.
Pay an additional $30 each month
towards the loan. Put our income tax
return towards the loan.
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Dimension
Goal
Key tasks for success
Financial
Household
Physical
Social
Spiritual
Marriage &
personal
enrichment
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Dimension
Goal
Key tasks for success
Financial
Household
Physical
Social
Spiritual
Marriage &
personal
enrichment