If you’ve ever worked for or bought something from a business, you’ve probably realized they all have one thing in common: a mission statement. Mission statements are critical to the success of a business. They provide purpose and direction for the business and offer insight into the values and ethics that are significant to the company.
A personal mission statement is similar to a corporate one, but according to Steven Covey (the author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People), it is about “defining the personal, moral and ethical guidelines within which you can most happily express and fulfill yourself.”
Crafting a personal mission statement is an act of self-discovery. It can help you better define who you are, what you want, and what you stand for. In times of failure or doubt, your personal mission statement can help you refocus and realign with what’s important to you.
If you’d like to write a personal mission statement, here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Examine the lives of others. Who are your role-models? What is it about the way they live(d) their life that resonates with you?
- Identify and review your past successes, both personal and professional. Are there any common themes among them? These themes will help you determine what’s important to you.
- List your core values. Include attributes you believe best identify who you are. Once you have completed your list, select two or three that are most important to you.
- Identify how you can make a difference. How will you help the world? Your community? Your employer? Your family?
- Review your goals. Consider your priorities and what your desired “end-game” looks like. Make sure all of your goals are SMART:
- Write your mission statement. Review all of your answers to the above questions and create a purposeful statement that captures your essence.
Writing your personal mission statement on paper makes it real. Review it regularly and let it inspire you to live the life you want.
If you have any questions, contact me.
By George Coaching 