LINE BRUNET: New Year's Resolutions. Love them or hate them, it's the time of year that we all contemplate where we are and where we want to be. Personally, I think that resolutions, or goal-setting as I prefer to call it, should be a year round event, however, the dawn of a new year does seem to hold powerful promise in what lies ahead.

Usually, when we make resolutions, we focus on ourselves, but this year I'm suggesting a Family Mission Statement. Why? As Anthony Brandt said, "Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family."

The purpose of a mission statement is to not only help define your family's values and goals, but also create an atmosphere of trust and belonging. The strength of a family can sustain you in times of crisis; it's empowering to take control of your family and in so doing, stronger relationships emerge. With a strong family, there are no limits to what you can accomplish.

Whether you are a family of 2 or more, creating a mission statement gives everyone a chance to provide input and be heard. This is not something to be created by the head of household only; otherwise it defeats the purpose of building a strong family unity.

5 Steps To Creating Your Family Mission Statement

1) Gather together all the members that live in your house and be sure to include children that visit on the weekends. Explain that you will be creating a mission statement together and why. Describe it as an agreement or pledge made together as a family rather than a list of rules and regulations from mom and/or dad.

2) Here's the fun part - brainstorming. Be sure to have a large pad of paper on hand and designate someone to be the writer. Start with some questions to get the ball rolling:
~ Describe our family.
~ What's important to each of us?
~ What's acceptable or not acceptable?
~ What do we want to do as a family?
As well as any other questions you can come up with. Do not judge, just write.

3) To start forming the statement, begin by putting the words/ideas into sentence form. For example:
"We respect and value everyone's opinion."
"We believe in supporting each other and our community."
"We each take responsibility for our actions and understand there are consequences both good and bad."
I think you get the idea.

4) This is the important part. Revise and edit your statement until everyone is happy with it. At this point you could create a family motto; something that defines the essence of your family and is easy to remember. It could be funny, just one word or anything else that has meaning for you as a family. Remember, it should be agreed upon by everyone.

5) Now create your good copy. Type it up and have everyone sign and date it. I would even frame it and display where everyone can see it and revise as needed. When an issue arises or an important decision is to be made, refer back to your mission statement to reinforce the values and goals that you created together.

So this year, instead of another resolution, start a tradition that can heal, strengthen and empower you and your family.

For more information and to build a mission statement online, visit www.franklincovey.com

Jan 9, 2011 - 5:51 PM

Delores -

What a great way to start the New Year, and so creative!

Jan 8, 2011 - 5:49 PM

Angela West-Roots -

awesome article with great ideas!

Jan 8, 2011 - 5:20 PM

Angela West-Roots -

awesome article with great ideas!