Why You Need a Personal Mission Statement
Today’s super connected world bombards us daily with new trends to follow and constant change that can disrupt our chosen life path. The internet, social media, and non-stop news throws countless options and challenges our way. Amidst this mighty whirlwind, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters to us.
A well-crafted personal mission statement can act as a filter, helping to sift through the noise and focus on what aligns with our core values and deepest beliefs. It’s a compass in a sea of endless options, keeping our inner needle pointed true north. Like “Mrs. Joy” says, we have to train the muscle that maintains true north, so we can stay on course when others try to sidetrack us.
What is a Personal Mission Statement?
A personal mission statement is a concise declaration of core values, goals, and purpose in life. It includes both spiritual and natural aspirations, serving as a blueprint for intentional decision-making and personal growth.
Guardrails on a mountain road keep a car from plunging over the edge into a world of pain. Perhaps a guardrail can’t prevent an out of control vehicle from going over the edge, but drivers proceed with more caution when they see them. “Okay, that rail means a drop off right there.” Brain says, “slow down and re-assess.”
A mission statement acts like a guardrail.
Keeping goals front and center makes you aware when you veer to one side or the other. When you skim the guardrails, you can make course corrections before you crash and burn.
If the guardrail is missing you might assume you’ve got smooth sailing. You pick up speed, pursue wants and whims, and whoa! Suddenly your goals are way back in the dust; you’re circling in a desert, quickly losing sight of the destination.
How to Create Your Personal Mission Statement
Step 1: Reflect on your life
As you begin to construct your statement, here’s a few things to ask yourself:
- What is most important to you spiritually?
- Is there a personal trait you want to change?
- Does a weakness in a certain area keep you from feeling peace?
- What do you want to be known for?
- How do you want to serve your fellowman?
- What would my friends tell me to focus on?
- How do people describe me? (Ask around. Be open.)
- What talents and abilities do I have?
Step 2: Brainstorm
Grab a pen and paper or open your favorite note-taking app. Write down your thoughts freely. Don’t worry about structure or coherence at this stage – just let your ideas flow.
Step 3: Refine Your Ideas
Over the next week, revisit your notes. Pray or meditate on them. You’ll start to see patterns and priorities emerge.
Step 4: Craft Your Statement
Use this simple template to structure your mission statement:
“I will (action) for (audience) by (using specific skills/talents) to (achieve desired result).”
A minister shared his mission statement with his congregation. It was simply, “nothing to forgive.” Do three words fulfill the template? I think so. In template form it would be “I will (action): forgive anything and everything (audience:) everyone has ever done to me by (skill or talent:) accessing God’s power to (desired result:) live my best life.
I asked my niece if she had a mission statement. The gist of what she said, if put into the template, might say, “I will live life so the people around me by my joy and kindness results in others desiring my company.
Remember, your statement can be as short as a few words or as long as a page. What matters is that it resonates with you.
Keep Your Mission Statement Alive
Creating your mission statement is just the beginning. To train your true north muscle and make your new habits take hold you can do these:
- Make it Visible: Display it where you’ll see it daily.
- Review Often: Set reminders to reflect on your statement weekly or monthly.
- Update as Needed: As you grow and change, your mission may evolve too.
- Share with Others: Telling friends or family can help keep you accountable.
- Use it Daily: Refer to your statement when making decisions, big or small.
Display Ideas for Your Mission Statement
- Write it in your journal
- Create custom wall art
- Stick a note on your mirror
- Keep a copy in your purse
- Use it as your phone or computer screensaver
- Pin it to a Pinterest board
- Download one of our printable Personal Mission Statement forms
By creating and living by your personal mission statement, you’re taking a powerful step towards a more focused, purposeful, and fulfilling life. Start crafting yours today!
