The first step in creating a personal mission statement is to identify your passion, talents, positive personality traits, beliefs and values. An effective mission statement takes your strong assets and turns them into a useful tool not only for yourself but also for others. It acts as a useful guideline for daily decision making and helps build your character.
Identifying Your Passion and Talent
Everyone has a passion and/or talent. For some it may be hidden and waiting to be sought out. If you’re not sure what it is, think about what people have said to you in the past. What do they say you are good at? What kind of compliments do you receive repeatedly? What do you enjoy doing? Are you creative? Do you like helping others? Do you like hosting events? Whatever it is, write it down.
Identifying Your Positive Personality Traits
Next, write down positive qualities about yourself. Don’t focus on the negative. Are you funny? Nurturing? Caring? Bubbly? Generous? Gentle? Encouraging? Optimistic? Motivational? Inspiring? A good listener?
Identifying Your Beliefs and Values
This part is the key to your personal mission statement because it states your personal goal and purpose. Think about what impact you want to make around you. What causes do you care about? What group of people do you care about? What are your core beliefs and values? What virtue do you value and want to grow in?
Incorporating the Three Assets to Your Personal Mission Statement
After identifying your passion/talent, personality, and beliefs/values, you’re ready to make a mission statement. The more concise it is the better. Use the following template as a model: “My mission is to use my (talent/passion) and (personality) so that (beliefs/values).”
Example 1: “My mission is to use my people skills and humor to make as many people around me smile and laugh so that it will brighten up their day.”
Example 2: “My mission is to use my love for fashion and unique personality to dress colorfully everyday and inspire others to express themselves freely.”
Example 3: “My mission is to use my event planning skills and bubbly personality to initiate and host more gatherings so that I will build closer relationships and wider networks.”
Example 4: “My mission is to use my passion for the environment and optimistic personality to stir people into action so that I can grow in my leadership skills.”
For a more thorough template and list of verbs, read The Path by author Laurie Beth Jones.
Applying Your Personal Mission Statement
Once you have your mission statement written down, memorize it. Stick it on your mirror, refrigerator door, closet, wherever you go to the most. It’s important to drill it into your head until you it can say it without having to stop and think. Words are powerful and having a personal mission statement stored in your memory will help you stay focused on the big picture. It’s not meant to be set in stone, so revise when necessary.
Further Reading:
-See "Mission Statement Examples"
-See TimeThoughts.com's section called "Personal Mission Statement Templates"
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