Stop “Making It Work”— Build an Extraordinary Marriage

Are you settling for a “make it work” marriage when you could build an extraordinary one?

Most couples drift into survival mode—roommates, not lovers—because they’ve never seen an amazing marriage modeled… and no one taught them the skills. In this episode, Greg & Rachel Denning share how to raise your marriage standard, resolve conflict fast (the “anatomy of an argument”), and build a shared vision that turns everyday life into marital bliss—without pretending problems don’t exist.

Big idea: If you’re not deliberately working on your marriage, you’re automatically working on your divorce.You’ll learn how to stop the same old fights, praise small efforts to reinforce positive change, schedule what matters (yes, intimacy!), and use the compound effect to transform your relationship. Whether things are tough or “fine,” these tools help you move from okay → incredible so your kids grow up with healthy models of love.

What you’ll learn

• Raise the standard: Why “make it work” is too low a target—and how high expectations create more happiness.

• Anatomy of an argument: Resolve conflicts quickly (not fake fixes) and stop weaponizing old grievances.

• Shared vision: Practical steps to get on the same page even if personalities and goals differ.

• Reinforce progress: Praise small attempts (date night invites, thoughtful gestures) so they happen more often.

• Schedule what matters: How planning creates space for connection & intimacy—instead of constant friction.

• Compound effect: The habits you invest in today build your legacy tomorrow.

  
  

Key Takeaways

✅ If you aren’t intentionally improving your marriage, you’re unintentionally degrading it.

✅ High standards produce higher joy and better outcomes.

✅ Conflict ≠ contention—you can disagree respectfully and resolve fast.

✅ Model love for your kids by prioritizing the relationship at home.

✅ Small, consistent actions compound into an extraordinary marriage.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Marriage

02:56 From Mediocre to Extraordinary

05:53 Setting High Expectations for Marriage

08:25 Conflict Resolution in Marriage

11:51 Self-Sabotage in Relationships

16:43 Creating Mental Space for Intimacy

18:16 The Importance of Retreats for Couples

18:49 Investing in Marriage: The Compounding Effect

20:28 Breaking Generational Patterns in Relationships

22:17 Creating a Shared Vision for the Future

22:44 Raising the Standard in Marriage

24:36 The Role of Coaching in Relationship Growth

27:04 The Value of Investing in Your Marriage

Memorable Quotes

🗣 “If you’re not deliberately working on your marriage, you’re automatically working on your divorce.”

🗣 “In marriage, we get what we tolerate—so raise the standard.”

🗣 “Conflict isn’t fighting; it’s the path to real resolution.”

🗣 “Praise small efforts. That’s how you get more of them.”

🗣 “Extraordinary isn’t accidental—it’s intentional and consistent.”

RESOURCES:

Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.

• How We Raised 7 Well-Adjusted Kids - Without Yelling, Tantrums, Punishments or Power Struggles (+ get THE CHECKLIST: Things We Do Every Day to Raise Well-Adjusted Kids)

• Rachel’s ⁠⁠Must-Read Booklist for Well-Read Moms⁠⁠

• Greg's ⁠⁠Recommended Reading List for Parents & Youth⁠⁠

• Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@worldschoolfamily⁠ or ⁠@greg.denning⁠

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