Be on the same page with your significant other. I am not a relationship expert but there seems to be a very consistent pattern with high achievers when it comes to their significant other: Successful couples are very intentional about making time for each other. This generally includes:

1) Weekly date night. This should generally be on the same day of the week and consistent. This keeps the spark alive. Men, you should always be “courting” your significant other whether you’ve been dating a few months or married for 40 years;

2) Weekly reflection night. This is a time to reflect on the past week, discuss highs and lows, and to reflect on and goal set for the upcoming week. It’s super helpful to compare weekly calendars during this time. It should also provide space to get positive/instructive feedback on some things to do differently to be the best spouse/significant other you can be;

3) Review your budget together weekly. I like to do this during the weekly reflection night, usually on Sunday. It doesn’t sound sexy, but couples that budget together, stay together. You are then able to plan fun things together like trips, dinner, and time away with friends and family, knowing that these activities fit within your budget. This allows you to be on the same page with your money-related decision making, delayed gratification, to build wealth, spend more time with family, and travel (my guilty pleasure!);

4) Do a regular (quarterly or monthly) goal-setting/check-in retreat away from home. This should be a space to get away and do a deeper dive into each significant other’s long term and short term goals and to get clearer on each person’s life plan and purpose. This should be a fun way to spend quality time together while clearly identifying clear written goals to then align with your weekly goals. It all goes together.

5) Find something you both enjoy recreationally to do a few times per week together. I really enjoy working out with my significant other. We are going to be dabbling with some golf hopefully soon and amping up for some backpacking trips across North America. The point is to be outside and get sweaty together.

The goal is to be on the same page together so you make each other better, challenge each other, and you both know where the money is going and why. If you aren’t intentional about this, you will wonder where your time, money, and, eventually, where the relationship went.

Get on a regular plan with your significant other. Shower each other with love. Make it fun. Be giddy. You’ll be glad you did.