A couple who have annual strategy meetings to plan the year ahead say their marriage has never been better.<br /><br />Husband and wife Durelle and Samantha Bailey, both 29, go to an industrious office space every year in Washington, D.C. and hold a two-hour strategy session.<br /><br />In the meetings, they each set out their goals and lay out plans on how to complete them.<br /><br />Both Durelle and Samantha, who live in the US capital, say their annual strategy meetings have improved their relationship and their marriage.<br /><br />Durelle said: "It's been overwhelmingly positive.<br /><br />"It's something we've been doing for years and we're seeing other couples and single people do the same thing.<br /><br />"We've done well at quite a young age and we attribute this to the mentality behind the meetings."<br /><br />The meetings, which are their fourth year running, were initially inspired by the couple's corporate life.<br /><br />They focus on finance, travel, family and personal and professional development.<br /><br />The couple even have a spreadsheet, which is complete with categories and budget calculations.<br /><br />Samantha, who owns a marketing company with Durelle, said: "Working in corporate, I was able to see how businesses do it.<br /><br />"I liked the direction and accountability. Everyone has a piece of the business they own. They know what is expected of them and what the plan is to achieve the goal."<br /><br />The couple's plans are set out in advance, which prevents clashes in their schedules, which means they are always able to support each other.<br /><br />Durelle said: "It's an opportunity to get in lock-step with each other, offer support and ask: 'how can I help you achieve your goals'."<br /><br />Samantha added: "It’s made for a healthier relationship between us. It helps save our quality time and avoid conflict."<br /><br />The couple also pitch their ideas to each other and ensure they set themselves 'SMART' goals - a known acronym to guide the setting of goals.<br /><br />Durelle said: "We challenge each other to make sure we don't overextend ourselves.<br /><br />"We try to make sure we have 'SMART' goals: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely."<br /><br />While the meetings may seem sterile and clinical from the outside, Samantha says they are in practice very positive.<br /><br />She said: "If anything, this prevents conflict. The majority of these meetings have been very positive and fun. <br /><br />"We have a lot of exciting things going on in our lives and the meetings are a great way to stay on track and continue progressing every year<br /><br />"We don't run our marriage like a business. <br /><br />"Our marriage is very intimate and loving but you have to be intentional and strategic in this economy and with the way the world is going."
