What in the world is a “Personal Mission Statement”?
It is:
- A vision for yourself to provide purpose and direction for your life.
- A statement of your values and priorities.
- A framework for how you want to live your life.
- A declaration that motivates and inspires you to get back on track when you get off course.
Having a personal mission statement is like having your own personal “constitution.” It is the basis for making life decisions as well as the many daily choices that impact you and those around you. It is a personal guidepost.
How in the world would I create one?
- Define the type of person you want to become, not just what you want to have or achieve.
- Consider all the areas and roles of your life and who you want to be in each of them.
- Identify your core values and what is important to you.
- Think about how you would like the important people in your life to remember you.
Take as much time as you need. Don’t rush the process. A mission statement can be a few sentences or a couple of paragraphs . . . A long statement or bullet points. The important thing is that it is uniquely yours and can be used to help guide your choices and actions on your journey through life.
Here are some sample statements:
“To accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.” — Tesla
“My mission is to live a life without resentment. I will use my mind and all my talents and skills to keep my life focused on gratitude, love, and forgiveness — to live my best life and to help others do the same. I have no room in my life for negative self-talk, grudges, or for pointless regret. Every morning, my goal is to take another step forward, keeping my mind and heart trained on the present and on the words, “Thank you”. I want everyone in my life to know exactly how they’ve made it better.”
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” — Maya Angelou
“Be the world’s favorite destination for discovering great value and unique selection.” — eBay
- “To be humble.
- To say thanks to God in some way, every day.
- To never react to abuse by passing it on.
- To find the self within that does and can look at all sides without loss.
- I believe in treating all people with kindness and respect.
- I believe by knowing what I value, I truly know what I want.
- To be driven by values and beliefs.
- I want to experience life’s passions with the newness of a child’s love, the sweetness and joy of young love, and the respect and reverence of mature love.
- Finally, to go through life with a smile on my face and a twinkle in my eye.”
Over 25 years ago I read the book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Steven Covey, and I crafted my personal mission statement. It has remained basically the same since that time. I keep a copy with me and review it as often as possible. It helps me to focus on my goals and aspirations when life gets in the way and I get off course! It is as follows:
“I will take responsibility and initiative in accomplishing my goals. I will act instead of being acted upon, make my own choices and live with them. I will always strive for excellence. I will be a life-long learner and keep my mind young and open to new ideas. I will be organized and disciplined in all areas of my life. I will spend less than I earn and regularly save part of my income. I will give to God and others with a grateful heart. My home will be a haven of comfort, peace and happiness for myself, my family and all who enter. I will live a life of kindness, compassion, and service for others, with a positive attitude and sense of humor. I will keep my body fit and healthy, my mind active and clear, my heart full of love and joy, my soul at peace with God.” Kathleen Funk
Take all the time you need to articulate and compose your very own Personal Mission Statement. There are many resources available online to help you. Just goggle “personal mission statement” and you’ll be surprised at the results! It is a project definitely worth pursuing. Enjoy the process and “Keep Going and Keep Growing”
Kathy, I love your personal mission statement It defines you and exactly who you are. You are the best!! Thank you
Thank you Jeannie. You’re the sweetest!
I had never thought of forming a personal mission statement until I read your blog Kathleen. You were so concise and helpful I think I can now put to words what I hoped I had been living. I can see how it would help to keep oneself in focus as if they were truly living what they believe in for themselves.
Thank you very much for your inspiration insight and encouragement.
Thank you! You will be glad to have it written down in black and white so you can refer to it often.
This is awesome! I’m going to use this as a template to create my mission statement. I think everyone should. Thank’s Special K! 🙂
Thank you for these kind words. I glad you can use this to help create your personal mission statement.