Personal Mission
In their book "Repacking Your Bags" authors David Shapiro and
Richard Lieder state that their research shows that the one
deadly fear for most people is having lived a meaningless life.
Why develop a personal mission statement?
A mission statement is a written-down reason for being.
Each of us has a blueprint within us - one that is unique only
to us. This blueprint outlines the purpose we are here to
fulfill.
Those that have connected to this purpose are some of the
happiest and most fulfilled people living today. They
instinctively know that a personal mission can act as both an
anchor and filter - anchoring you to what is true about your
life and filtering out the rest. Conversely, not having a
personal mission leads to getting tangled up in details, details
that can take you off your path.
As the author Steven Covey asks, "Why worry about saving minutes
when you might be wasting years?" This statement touches the
heart of it and underscores the value of anchoring yourself to
what's important in your life.
Here are some introspective exercises that can help you in
creating an authentic personal mission statement:
Begin by asking yourself these questions:
What do I want? And how will I know when I get it?
The answers to these questions are almost always dictated by one
thing: Your values. One of the best ways to clarify your values
is to describe your ideal day - which is not about being
practical - it is designed to include as many sides of you and
what's important to you as possible: creative, competent,
artistic, introverted, extraverted, athletic, playful,
nurturing, contemplative, etc. Bring your values to the surface
Next, visualize yourself at your 80th birthday party,
surrounded by your family and friends. What are they saying
about you When you look back on your life, are there any
regrets? Lost opportunities?
This reflective exercise can bring up some amazing insights.
Determine what makes you unique - what comes easily for you?
Many times we don't recognize our gifts as gifts because they
seem so natural to us. Make a list of at least 20 talents you
possess. How many of them have you multiplied? How many have you
ignored?
Ask yourself what are you passionate about? List those things
that most excite you. Then make a list of what most angers you.
How could you use what most excites you to change what most
angers you?
Remember that a mental conception of your personal mission
statement is not enough. You must write it down on paper and put
it somewhere where you can see it every day.
The purpose of these exercises is to help you to get clear on
what your values, reflections, talents and passions are so you
can begin the process of creating your authentic personal
mission statement.
Now, let's look at how to construct a good mission statement.
There are 5 simple elements to a good mission statement:
1. It's simple - A mission statement should be no more than a
single sentence long. All great leaders in history have had a
mission statement:
Abraham Lincoln's mission was to preserve the Union
FDR's mission was to end the Depression
Nelson Mandela's mission was to end Apartheid
2. It's easily understood - A personal mission statement is so
easily understood and communicated that a 12-year-old could
repeat it and understand it.
3. It's memorable - A good mission statement can be recited by
memory - even if someone was holding a gun to your head - the
fact is time is holding a gun to our heads reminding us that our
time on earth is limited.
4. Share it - A personal mission statement is, well, personal
But if you want to truly see whether you have been honest in
developing your personal mission statement, share the results of
this process with one or more people who are close to you. Ask
for their feedback.
5. Grows with you - A mission statement is not meant to be
written once and carved into stone. Set aside some time each
year to review your goals and mission statement -- and make
adjustments as necessary.
When developing your personal mission statement, consider
suggestions:
A personal mission can anchor you to what is important about
your life and filter out unnecessary details.
Become aware of your values and hold them in your mind when you
answer the questions:
? What do I want? ? How will I know when I get it?
Discover your talents and passions
Share your mission with a trusted friend
Make it simple, understandable & memorable
Write it down
Revise each year to make sure you're on your path
People with clearly defined mission statements have always led
those who don't have one. You are either living your mission, or
you are living someone else's.
Which will it be?