To all my busy bee couples, who are running ragged and by-the-seat-of-your-pants, here’s something for you. Today, we're diving into something that might sound a bit stuffy at first but stick with me—it's about to get fun. I'm talking about the Weekly Couples Business Meeting (WCBM, for short). Yes, you heard right. We're bringing boardroom strategies into the living room, and trust me, it's more fun than it sounds.
A little disclosure first: I’ll admit it. I like meetings. Even as a child I remember wishing that my family would have a regular family meeting. I wanted to vote on where to go on vacation, discuss who did which chores and what to do to train our family’s puppy who was very naughty. I wanted to know what was coming up in our schedule and debrief things that had already happened. SO, admittedly, I’m a bit of a sucker for this type of thing, but hear me out.
Family meetings, yes. But couple’s meetings? For SURE!
Date nights, yes. But Weekly Couples Business Meetings (WCBM)?? A game changer, and for those couples that are buried in parenting, work, chores and activities, a MUST.
This ONE meeting could maybe be what saves your marriage, and it could DEFINITELY be what makes it more fun.
Why Bother with a Weekly Meeting?
Think about it: you wouldn’t run a business without a strategy meeting, right? Well, marriage, home, and family life are kind of like a business (minus the suits and PowerPoints). There's budgeting, scheduling, goal-setting, and sometimes, managing the tiny (and not-so-tiny) humans running around. But instead of stress and spreadsheets, we're aiming for connection, ease, clarity, and maybe a few laughs along the way.
Step One: Schedule It (And Name It Something Fun)
First things first: pick a time. Sunday evenings work great because it’s the calm before the storm of the workweek. Now, ditch the boring names. Call it something fun like "The Lovebirds' Logistics Lounge" or "Team Awesome's Strategy Session.”
Step Two: Set the Scene
You’re not in a corporate office, so let’s keep things cozy. Your WCBM should be something you look forward to so make it fun. Grab some snacks, maybe a glass of wine, and sit somewhere comfortable. This is your time to connect and collaborate, not to stress out. Make sure you have a notebook reserved just for notes from these meetings, your calendar(s) and any electronic devices you need.
Step Three: The Agenda (Yes, We Have One)
The Calendar Check - Compare schedules for the week. Who’s doing what, when, and where. This is crucial to avoid double-booking and the dreaded “I thought YOU were picking up the kids!” fiasco.
Finance Finesse - A quick check-in on the budget. No need for a deep dive into every receipt, but make sure you're on the same page with spending, saving, and upcoming expenses.
Home Sweet Home - Any chores that need tackling? Leaky faucet? Garden needs weeding? This is the time to divvy up tasks so no one’s stuck doing all the dirty work.
Family Fun Planning - Schedule some fun! Whether it’s a date night, family outing, your summer vacation or a lazy Sunday brunch, make sure there’s joy on the agenda.
Goal-Getting - Talk about personal and shared goals. Maybe you’re planning a vacation, training for a marathon, or simply trying to read more books. Whatever it is, cheer each other on!
Love and Laughter - End on a high note. Share something that made you laugh this week, or something you appreciate about each other. And put your hands together and yell “Go Team!!!!” It’s the sprinkles on top of the meeting sundae.
Keeping It Light
Remember, the goal here isn’t to add stress but to subtract it. Keep the tone light and playful. Throw in some jokes, tease each other (nicely!), and remember why you’re doing this: to strengthen your partnership and make life run a bit smoother.
Pro Tips for Success
Rotate Roles: Take turns being the ‘meeting leader.’ It keeps things balanced and fun.
Stay Flexible: If you miss a week, no biggie. Just pick it up again next time.
Celebrate Wins: Did you stick to your budget or crush a family goal? Celebrate it! Any excuse for a mini-party, right?
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks. The Weekly Couples Business Meeting—a simple strategy to keep your life organized and your relationship thriving. It might start as a practical chore, but with the right attitude, it can become a cherished ritual. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to ensure that amidst the chaos of everyday life, you’re always making time for each other.
Now, go forth and conquer those logistics with love and laughter. You've got this, Team Awesome! 🎉❤️
Feel free to share your own meeting names and tips in the comments. And for more support with this process, give me a call at 760-776-0670 to set up a free consultation.