You Should Create a Personal Mission Statement — Here’s Why
You can have your own custom-made GPS for your life.
A mission statement is a short statement used to describe what an organization is, what its goals and values are, and what its purpose is in the grand scheme of things. These declarations affirm an organization’s core beliefs and values and solidify the business’ long-term vision.
For example, Google’s mission statement is “to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”
Now, a personal mission statement is similar to a corporate mission statement: it describes your beliefs, what you value, and how you plan to create a life that embodies your values. It provides a vision for your future and directs your personal growth. Your statement will encourage you to think about how your actions will affect your life. It really helps put your goals and your vision for your future in perspective. Basically, it’s a custom-made GPS for every choice you will make in your life.
When you find yourself experiencing self-doubt or feeling discouraged, you can reference your personal mission statement to feel connected and grounded in your deeper purpose.
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Mission Statements Done Right
Let’s take Ms. Rachel Haarison-Sund for example. Her mission statement around this time last year goes a little something like this:
“To unapologetically chase my dreams, have fun creating a rich life for myself and my loved ones, and help others do the same.”
Now, Rachel is a Youtuber that shares how she built a 6 figure passive income business, and how her viewers can do the same. Do you see how she is definitely living up to her mission?
Or maybe look at Oprah. Everybody knows Oprah, and she has definitely lived up to hers. Her mission statement is:
“To be a teacher. And to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be.”
I’ve been working on mine, and I’d like to say it was a one-and-done situation, but it’s a process. Mine has changed a few times over the last couple of months while I figure myself out, so now I include that in my statement. I’m almost positive that it will change again, but as of right now, my mission statement is pretty solid.
My mission statement for where I am right now and where I'm trying to go is:
“To be a forever student and use my writing and my experiences to engage, entertain, educate, and build a life that is prosperous and abundant.”
I have been dedicating my energy and effort to making this my daily reality. Writing has been my chosen career since I was four years old, and I am making a conscious effort to see it come true. Every decision I make concerning my career is influenced by my mission statement.
Now You Try
I challenge you to make one for yourself. Figure out what you want your future to look like, and put together a statement that accurately summarizes your goals and how you plan to reach them. This will be your point of reference for every choice that brings you closer or farther from your goals. No statement is permanent. it will change with you.
There is a multitude of ways you can have this mission statement in your day to day to keep you focused. You can make a digital wallpaper on your phone, so you see it every time you use your phone. If you're an artist, you can draw something up to keep on your wall. You can recite it to yourself internally or outwardly before you go to sleep and when you wake up.
Find whatever works for you. It’s a tool. You can customize it in whatever way you see fit.
When things get tough, remember your personal mission statement. Use it to help you believe in yourself and keep going on this journey to reach your chosen end result.
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