Create Your Personal Mission Statement

What Is A Mission Statement?

A personal mission statement is a short concise paragraph that clarifies why you were created.  It says why you are here and what value you are to bring to the world, your country, your community, your church, your family.

Discovering your mission statement sounds like a big undertaking with a large responsibility.  Well, it is a big responsibility to impact your family and those around you and to live and be all that your Creator wants you to be.

Napoleon Hill has talked about them in Think and Grow Rich.  He said Edward C Barnes  had one desire, a burning desire.  It was to work with Thomas Edison and not for him.  He wanted to be a business partner with Mr. Edison.

There were obstacles standing in the way such as how was he going to get to Orange NJ and he didn’t know Thomas Edison.

But read the rest of the story and see how Mr. Barnes became a great business partner with Mr. Edison.

Desires of the Heart

The personal mission statement should be more than a statement it should be a declaration of faith. The statement is a testament to the desire that the Provider has placed in your heart.

This is not some gibberish that is scrolled on a piece of paper and tucked away in a draw and read again when the drawer is cleaned out. See this video talk about buzz words with some humor http://vevo.ly/zTDyrD  by Weird Al.

It is faith in action.  It is meditated upon day and night.  Actions and results are measured against it.  It is a laser pointing to the short path of success.

It is scary, it seems impossible.  You may seem unequipped and inadequate for your mission.  However that just means that you are on the right track.

Proverbs 4 23, 25-27 says Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.  Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.  Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.

Kurt Jenkins says in Everyday Leadership “Marking a straight path for your feet requires you to make certain decisions before the temptations arise.” And “Taking risks and making mistakes doesn’t sidetrack leaders from their vision, an unguarded heart does.”

Why do you need a mission statement?

A mission statement is a reminder -  a constant reminder of why you are here and why the Creator has made you.  God has said that eye has not seen, ear has not heard and mind has not imagined the plans I have for you.

A mission statement keeps you motivated.  It will keep you focused.   It will reinforce who you are. It will force you to see what it takes to create your mission.  It will align all areas of your life with one vision making the missions harmonious.

It will transform your mind when repeated several times a day.

If you fail to plan you plan to fail.  This just means that every bright and shiny object will derail or delay your arrival.   It is good to buy and to read and to learn.  Just don’t covet or think that shiny object is the solutions to your problem.  Most likely it is not.

Men hold opinions and convictions hold men – What conviction holds you?  How are you going to use that conviction to accomplish your mission?  The conviction shouldn’t direct your mission statement. Convictions will help put you on the right road.  It should tell you what to stay away from.  Don’t forget “Guard your heart above all else”.  Don’t let negative thoughts in to your heart and fads and herd mentality.   Your Creator didn’t make you a cow.  You are a wonderful and unique individual fearfully created in Gods image with a big big big mission to accomplish.

A mission statement will save you time and energy by keeping you on track.  Refer to it often and commit it to memory.  Ask the question “Does this fit with the mission?  Why I am here?”

It answers

• What are the opportunities or needs your life fills?
• How are these needs being addressed?
• What principles and beliefs guide you?-

It is a process of discovery.

Where do you start building a mission statement?

Start with evaluating yourself.  What are your strengths, gifts, abilities.   It is good to ask your family, friends and coworkers.  Ask people that know you and will be honest with you.  Don’t judge them for their answers as they are trying to help you.

What are your weaknesses, dislikes?  We are placed in a position to be happy and to live life more abundantly.   If you spend time making your weaknesses better they still won’t be stronger than your strengths that were ignored and weakened through not exercising that strength.  If you need a weakness to complete something find a partner for that.

Let me make this clear.  There are some things that I should never do.  You are probably like that also.  You have tried something and hated doing it.  Then you tried it again and hated it.   A Proverb says “A fool is like a dog that returns to its own vomit.”  Quit doing those things you shouldn’t be doing.

What is your calling?  Amazingly we all have the same main calling as everyone else.  That main calling is to know and love God and Jesus Christ.   Our other calling is to show the love of Jesus to others through our everyday activities.

How do you know your secondary calling?  Sometimes you know some of those secondary callings such as spouse, parent, student, neighbor,  and citizen among others.  Your other callings can be found by investigating your strengths, weaknesses, desires and your fears.  The best way is to ask God and listen.  Don’t be afraid of the answers.

Norman Vincent Peale writes in The Power of Positive Thinking  that a man thought he lost everything he had built up over his life but he had more than he realized.  Here is part of that conversation starting with Dr. Peale

“"Everything?" I asked.

"Everything,"  he  repeated.  He  was  through,  he  reiterated.  "I have nothing left at all. Everything is  gone. There is no hope, and I am too old to start all over again. I have lost all faith."

Naturally  I  felt  sympathetic  toward  him,  but  it  was evident that  his  chief  trouble  was  the fact that  dark  shadows of hopelessness had entered his mind and discolored his outlook, distorting it. Behind this twisted thinking his true powers had retreated, leaving him without force.

"So,"  I said, "suppose we take a piece of paper and write down the values you have left."

"There's no use,"  he sighed.  "I haven't a single thing left.  I thought I told you that."

I said, "Let's just see anyway." Then asked, "Is your wife still with you?"

"Why, yes, of course, and she is wonderful.  We have been married for thirty years. She would never leave me no matter how bad things are."

"All right, let us put that down—your wife is still with you and she will never leave you no matter what happens.  How about your children? Got any children?"

"Yes," he replied,  "I have three and they are certainly wonderful.  I have been touched by the way they have come to me and said, 'Dad, we love you, and we'll stand by you.' "

"Well,  then," I said, "that is number  two—three  children who love  you  and  who  will  stand  by  you.  Got  any  friends?"  I asked.

"Yes," he  said, "I really have some fine friends. I must admit they have been pretty decent.  They have come around and said they would  like to help me, but what  can they do? They can't do anything."

"That is number three—you have some friends who would like to help you and who hold you in esteem.  How about your integrity? Have you done anything wrong?"

"My integrity is all right,"  he replied. "I have always tried to do the right thing and my conscience is clear."

"All right,"  I said, "we will  put  that down as number four—integrity. How about your health?"

"My health is all right,"  he answered.  "I have had very few sick days and I guess I am in pretty good shape physically."

"So let's put down as number five—good physical health. How about the United States?  Do  you think it's still doing business and is the land of opportunity?"

"Yes,"  he said.  "It is the only country in the world I would want to live in."

"That is number six—you live in the United States, land of opportunity, and you are glad to be here."  Then I asked, "How about your religious faith?  Do you believe in God and that God will help you?"

"Yes," he said.  "I do not think I could have gotten through this at all if I hadn't had some help from God."

"Now," I said, "let's list the assets we have figured out:

"1. A wonderful wife—married for thirty years.

"2. Three devoted children who will stand by you.

"3. Frien ds who will help you and who hold you in esteem.

"4. Integrity—nothing to be ashamed of.

"5. Good physical health.

"6.  Live  in  the  United  States,  the  greatest  country  in  the

world.

"7. Have religious faith." “

You likewise have more than you think.  You know more people than you think you  know that are willing to help.   One final question to ask yourself,  “If money were not a problem what would I do?”

Have Congruent Values

Now collect all those answers and start to write a mission statement eliminating wants that don’t fit with your values.  Here is an example I would love to build a company that builds cars.  I don’t want to be in charge of employees and work in an office and have to borrow money.    Another one – I was interviewed for promotions or positions in different departments but they required travel of varying degrees.  But my values and personal situation would not allow me to travel even one day of the year.  So I ended the interview.

The mission won’t be accomplished if all areas of your life are not working  together.  So the nice thoughts of earning a million dollars a year but requires you to work 80 hours a week and not line up with your health values of having reduced stress will not work.

What Is The Cost Of Your Mission?

One of the most important questions is "What are you willing to pay for this mission statement?"

Will you study?  Will you risk your money?  Will you find a mentor? Are you willing to serve your family?  Will you spend time with God and listen to Him? Not hear but listen by doing.   Are you willing to get up after being knocked down? Are you willing to give up several weekends a year?  Are you willing to forego a new car or a bigger house for a time?

Are you willing to give up your lusts for God's plan?

Now that you have the areas of your life lined up and know what you are willing to pay start to write that mission statement.

Here is a checklist after you have written it

Examples of mission statements

Here are some examples that are found in different places and different websites.  Some are short and powerful.  Then there is a list of values and how the values create action.  Others are more involved and speak to the physical, the spiritual, and the psychological and combine it with the roles in life.   Others have dates, goals and income included.

“To become a leader that gives others hope, builds up those around us, and always leave a situation better than you found it. This will be accomplished by embracing these concepts: humility (look for results not salutes), servant hood (leading by example), and through discipline. To remain dedicated to God’s purpose as a follower of Christ, to family, to church, to friends, and as a firefighter.  From https://bringingbackbrotherhood.wordpress.com/2013/07/26/developing-a-personal-vision-mission-statement-for-christ-2/

My purpose for being on this earth is to help others recognize, develop, and use their God-given intuitive abilities to ease suffering and grow in goodness, love, compassion, and wisdom. My mission is to help take away fear--the fear of death, by proving that we don't die and will see our loved ones again, and the fear of living, by showing how we can tap in to our wisest selves and make our lives much happier and easier. My desire is to help each of us connect to the love that is eternal, that is the reason for our existence.

http://www.missionstatements.com/personal_mission_statements.html

My mission is to act as an instrument of positive change in my family, my work and my community. I will utilize all of the talents that God has given me and will participate in all aspects of my life with energy, purpose and gratitude. I will utilize my talents in strategy and administration to ensure that my home is loving and calm, my workplace is productive and positive and my community is responsive and growing. Through this focus I will give more than I take and will provide a positive role model for my children.

Guidance

I am guided by a spiritual belief that everyone has a purpose on this earth and that we are all called to serve in some capacity. I also believe in the power of gratitude both as prayer and as a motivation to serve. I will not be guided by the promise of money or fame in making my life choices.

Important Relationships

Husband - I will have a relationship with my husband based upon love, trust, respect and laughter. We will continue to nurture our life-long friendship and will never lose sight of the fact that we are more than just parents. We are partners. I will respect his individuality and will support him in achieving his life goals.

Children - I will love and care for my children. I will teach them to respect themselves and other people. I will never lose sight of the unique individuals that they are and will support them in the paths that they choice for themselves. I will give them my time and attention and as such will ensure that they always know that they are loved.

Work - I will approach my job with energy and passion. I will find a position that allows me to utilize all of my talents. I will help facilitate organizational goals and will be a positive influence on my co-workers. I will never cheat myself or my employer by working solely for a paycheck. Should I ever find myself in that position I will find other employment.

Community - I will participate in my community. I will participate in volunteer activities for my school, church and community to help ensure that my community prospers. I will be a willing volunteer and won't hesitate to lend a helping hand when and where it is needed either locally or globally.

Self - I will not compromise my principles and/or dreams based upon the opinion or disapproval of others. I will be true to myself and my purpose, in doing so I will be a better wife, mother, friend, daughter and employee.

Learning

I will gain academic knowledge through completion of my MBA. I will gain spiritual knowledge through adult Bible classes and a study of other religions. I will gain physical strength through continuation of my running. I will gain wisdom by living my life in congruence with my life's purpose. I will gain personnel strength through my faith.

Self-Esteem and Security

I measure my self esteem by my ability to look at myself in a mirror and genuinely smile.
I derive my self esteem through my ability to set goals and meet them. I have learned to set goals that I have personal control over. If all else fails I keep a success file which I review if I need added evidence that I am a successful person.

Strength

I draw my strength from God. Specifically I draw my strength from people and places where I see or feel a divine presence- the road I run on, my daughter's faces, music and art. I transform weaknesses into strengths by developing an action plan that divides big goals into very small steps. I find that if I take one small step every day pretty soon I am well on my way.

1. Relationship between my Mission Statement and my Daily Life

While I try to live my mission statement daily, I often fail. The pressures of work schedules, dance lessons, play practice, school, etc. often interfere with the calmness that I would like to bring to my home. I am not always a loving wife and I am not always a patient mother. However, I always strive to be these things and I find that at those moments when I am acting in accordance I am at peace.

If there is any portion of my mission that I have come the closest to achieving, it is my work mission. I have never worked solely for money. I loved my job, the company I worked for and the people I worked with. I did not feel this with my new employer so I walked away. Most people do not understand this. While there are times that I worry that I won't find another job, I have never regretted my decision. That decision was about being true to me and I have gained more than I have lost. Sticking to these principles as I search for a new job will be challenge that I hope I am up to.

The one area of my life that is most out of sync with my mission statement is in the area of community. The past demands of work and family made it very easy for me to shirk my responsibilities to community. "I would like to but…" has been a very common response I have given when called to help out. I would like to say that after I quit work this changed. It did not. At first my excuse was the exhaustion, lately my excuses have been focused on the demands of the MBA program. Being available to my community is one portion of my mission statement that I will improve upon.

http://www.d.umn.edu/~scastleb/mission statement example one.html

DENISE MORRISON, CEO OF CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY

“To serve as a leader, live a balanced life, and apply ethical principles to make a significant difference.”

http://www.fastcompany.com/3026791/dialed/personal-mission-statements-of-5-famous-ceos-and-why-you-should-write-one-too#2

I want to be the kind of person my dog already thinks I am.

http://msb.franklincovey.com/inspired/anonymous

The mission of our family is to create a nurturing place of order, love, happiness, and relaxation, and to provide opportunities for each person to become responsibly independent and effectively interdependent, in order to achieve worthwhile purposes.

http://msb.franklincovey.com/inspired/anonymous

This is Benjamin Franklins

Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.

Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.

Order: Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.

Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.

Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.

Industry: Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.

Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.

Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.

Moderation: Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.

Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.

Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.

Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.

http://msb.franklincovey.com/inspired/franklin

 My mission is to be an inspiration, a motivator and vessel of transformation for the Christian Entrepreneur to change from the inside out for a more effective life and a better business.

Jesus Christ had a mission

18 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed One, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity], 19 To proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord [the day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound].  Luke 4:18-19 AMP

My purpose is to express my faith in God, to help and guide my family, and increase my marketing skills. I will accomplish this by tithing and trusting in God and taking the best care of my family, and practicing  writing and marketing every day.  This practice of marketing will earn $160,000 by July 16 , 2016.  I will hear the voice of God and have revelations. I am a better husband,  I am a successful businessman.

What to do after you created a mission statement?

Read your mission statement everyday multiple times a day.  Write it on an index card, have it laminated or have multiple copies of it and put it on the mirror and the dashboard.  Put one in your pocket, make it the background on the phone, the laptop, the tablet. Even write it out on a daily basis.  There is something about hearing your mission, seeing your mission and writing your mission every day.  It works its way into your subconscious, it works all the time inspiring you and energizing you. Most importantly be thankful for all that you have and the desires God has given you.  Thank God every day for His blessings since all good things come from Him.

Every so often you will have to evaluate, tweak, and rewrite your mission statement.