Why write a mission statement?
Why do companies write mission statements? To determine their intentions, their purpose, their raison d’etre. To lay down a path, to map out a route, to provide an itinerary. If you don’t have a clear idea of why and where you are going you could get completely lost. Yes, you can wander a little but as long as you keep your sense of direction you will have a more successful journey.
What is your Mission?
Of course, you don’t have to be a company to have a Mission. To give your personal life direction you can determine and clarify your personal life's goals by writing a personal mission statement, whereby you identify yourself and your dreams. One way to determine your goals is to divide your life into the four "bodies" in which we inhabit this world:
Physical (physical body and health)
Mental (thoughts and learning)
Social/Emotional (connection with others and our own feelings)
Spiritual (connection with a higher power or inner wisdom)
For each area of determine what your values and wishes are for yourself. Spend some time thinking through what you want out of your life and the direction you intend to go. If you are having a difficult time with any particular area use your journal to free write about it first. Ask yourself where you are currently regarding your physical self, for example, and where you'd like to be. Or start with a springboard such as, "Spirit means..." From these written explorations you will discover your own thoughts and feelings about each area of your life.
You can also divide your mission by the various roles you play, eg. wife, employee, father, board member, etc.
Your statement can be long or short or in any format you wish: A sentence, paragraph, bullet points, a picture even. Your family can have a statement also. Gather around the table and as a committee co-write your family’s purpose and intent for a better life.
Once you have your Mission - your Identity - the next step is to determine your Goals.
If you need further help building your mission statement, visit Franklin Covey, the business site of Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
To read my personal mission statement, visit here.
For more information: To get you started on your journey of self-discovery, visit my blog for writing prompts and tips or to find an upcoming journaling workshop in the Rutland, Vermont area.
Read my blog, follow me on Twitter, or become a fan on Facebook
Comments