Couples GPS - preface, guidelines, set-up
The mission of CGPS is to assist couples in developing habits and rituals that foster a fun, intimate, loving, lasting marriage.
There are 5 overarching objectives (what I call “themes”) in this journey. Within each of these themes are specific objectives. Ideally you could work through one theme per week, but please go at whatever pace you’re comfortable with. The themes are:
1) Build Your Friendship
2) Strengthen Your Core
3) Deepen Your Intimacy
4) Secure Your Future
5) Fuel Your Mission
In each week of coaching you will be guided in initiating and strengthening different objectives and habits that result in a fullness of the 5 themes in your marriage and in your life.
Your results are worth the work!
Like most things that get results- the actions that lead to what you want aren’t always easy. But they are so worth it. Think of the painful attention you give to detail at your work i.e. double checking reports, participating in group accountability, analyzing costs, profits, marketing etc.… Why? Because you want your business to succeed!
Your marriage is such a bigger deal than your business.
Couples GPS is holistic
I read about a double homicide In the 70’s. The defense attorney was able to get a significantly reduced sentence for his client based on his clients poor diet (too much sugar). This amazing moment in law history was coined “the Twinkies defense.” You can’t reasonably think that your life is segmented. As has been said, how you do one thing is how you do everything and every aspect of your life effects the other.
If you want increased peace, joy and intimacy, you’re going to want to pay attention to your life, not just your wife (or husband) i.e. diet, career, spirituality, exercise etc.
How to Avoid CGPS Overwhelm
Cgps is easier than it looks
1) Do not look over the entire course of actions. Do not jump ahead! Just open up this week’s objectives i.e. W1, W2, W3 etc.
NOTE: There are over many possible actions in the “Extras” tab (a separate tab). They’re wonderful! We don’t care how many you do! If you do ONE we’re thrilled! Everything else is a bonus. Note that the extras can be viewed according to the Week or according to their rating. They are rated 4 stars or 5 stars (We don’t believe in 3 star, or less, action steps).
2) Decide how many minutes you'd like to spend, each day, on the objectives (i.e. 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 etc.).
3) Spend the time you’ve allotted!
Remember, there’s no grade! It’s just a matter of how far you want to go on this round of coaching. Start with the Weekly tab (which includes our Primary Objectives), then if you’re willing, work on some “Extras” (“Extras” tab). By using the “Complete” boxes you’ll always return to where you left off.
Finally, remember that as coaches, we will meet you where you are. We are here for you, to celebrate whatever forward movement you choose.
Use of airtable “views”
When you choose to complete an action, it disappears from the “Action Steps…” view and goes to “Completed” view so you can jump right in where you left off each day. If you repeat the course you can uncheck all of the boxes and start again. Look for the little “i” next to the different “views” and headings for a complete explanation of airtable.
Go the distance - miracles are waiting for you
You may not want to hear this, but here it is: Problems are complicated. Solutions are simple. Solutions aren’t easy, but largely, what you’re looking for, you will find in the day to day work (action list), in Couples GPS. There’s not even a question about that. The only question is whether you're willing to keep going; keep the agreements you make, stay with our meetings, get up if you fall, work through the action list and prayerfully put one foot in front of the other. I promise you that if you’ll do your best, miracles are waiting.
The only thing between you and what you want are the steps leading to it.
A marriage, like a human life, is a precious, living thing and is worth saving at any cost.
set-up
Starting gate - Check-list
___ Read Prefaces & Guidelines (This page)
___ CGPS folder on phone home screen
___ Please fill out this form before our first meeting: Click Here.
___ Get Zoom (We do our meetings with Zoom)
GETTING ORGANIZED
We strongly encourage creating a folder on your phone homescreen with different important pages you’ll be visiting in the coming weeks. Most importantly, put your personal Airtable list of Actions and Themes. As you go down the road, include Nightly Check-In, Love Seat, Articles of Peace, Request List and a few others.
Understanding “Airtable”
Airtable Tips
Look for the little “VIEWS” box, or the even littler, upside down triangle (depending on your computer or phone) to click on another “view.”
Click on the little tiny circle with an “i” in it for more information.
Check marks in the “C…” (complete) column (on the right) disappear from this view and appear on the “completed” view so you can always jump in where you left off.
This material is for Couples GPS, & Personal Coaching participants only.
Please do not share with friends or family. Instead, invite them to a Path of Peace free seminar, or suggest personal coaching so they can get the support needed for using these materials.