Couple explains the annual end-of-year ritual that has completely transformed their lives

Hard work, effort and going the extra mile are essential for success, but they often require a clear roadmap. While many drift through life without much thought for the future, one couple decided to take a different approach. Washington DC-based motivational content creator Durelle Bailey (@durellebailey on Instagram) recently shared the end-of-year ritual he and his wife, Samantha (@samanthacassandra), have been following for years.

A video shared by Bailey showed him sitting with Samantha in what appeared to be a rented office space with their laptops, notepads, whiteboards, markers and a few books neatly organized. He revealed that very December, they come together to discuss the ways and future achievements that could truly "transform lives." "We sit down in an environment away from home to discuss our goals for the year to come," said Bailey. "Truth is, like most families, we’ve always been motivated as individuals, but before we started doing this, we weren’t aligned as a unit." He confessed that the couple lacked clear goals and accountability before starting this ritual.

Notably, the couple's "annual strategy meetings" help them carve a blueprint for what they want to achieve in the upcoming year. The plan not only serves as a starting point but also makes them aware of each other's personal and professional goals. For their "2025 planning," Samantha divided their goals into several categories: Finance, Travel, Family, Business and House. Under each category, the duo listed specific targets they aim to accomplish throughout the year. According to Bailey, entrepreneurs with business plans are 260% more likely to succeed, and companies with annual plans grow 30% faster.

“We not only meet our financial, travel, and business goals every year, but it has taken our marriage to a whole other level,” Bailey claimed in the nearly one-and-a-half-minute footage. After discussing their dreams for a better future, the couple transferred their intentions to a spreadsheet to solidify them permanently. “We write the final draft of the goals that we both agreed on a whiteboard. Then, once it’s solidified, we transfer it all to our spreadsheet to check back and update every single month next year,” the video creator explained. Bailey also shared the inspiration behind the couple's end-of-the-year ritual.

Bailey wrapped up by quoting Spanish artist Pablo Picasso: "Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan." He concluded by inviting reactions to their insightful approach to planning for the future. @fernweh.flair commented, “We tried this for the first time last year, and it helped so much! We learned a lot and can't wait to do it again.” “I have tried to talk my husband into something like this, and he thinks I'm nuts,” wrote @marijo.alvis, adding that she has been married for 22 years. “It is also good to do this for yourself when you are single,” @pastor.esthermaombi emphasized.

You can follow Durelle Bailey (@durellebailey) on Instagram for lifestyle, motivation and travel content.