Complete the following descriptive writing exercise to create your own personal mission statement. Write a paragraph for each element, unless otherwise specified:
1. Examine the lives of others: Who do you admire? Why? What about them do you admire? How can you translate their value into something you might be able to emulate?
2. Describe your Ideal Self: Who do you really want to be? This question is not about what goals you have set, or how much money you want to have, but what kind of person do you want to grow to be?
3. What Legacy do I want to leave? How do I want others to remember me? What mark will I leave on the world? Will it be one of service or of consumption?
4. For what purpose am I here? What am I meant to do or be or become?
5. What skills do I have that might serve myself, my intentions and others well?
6. How might I narrow some of these items to goals I could achieve in the near future?
7. NOW…. Read what you have written and begin to craft a personal mission statement. Begin: “I, ____________________ (your name), …”
Here are a few samples that might help from the Franklin Covey Institute:
Sample 1: 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.
Sample 2: My mission in life is to have my own family. I need to remember that what I do now in my life will affect them. Because of this, I try my best to do the right things that will benefit my future. I would someday like to have a large farm with horses where I can help handicapped children. I’d like to work with animals, perhaps even be a veterinarian. Most of all, I want to have time for my family. So today I will study hard and stay away from things that may hinder my dream from happening.
Sample 3: To find happiness, fulfillment, and value in living, I will seek out and experience all of the pleasures and joys that life has to offer. My core values are not limitations restraining me on this hedonistic quest for fun. Rather, they provide a framework for identifying, pursuing, and achieving those pleasures that last the longest and are the most satisfying. The greatest joy of all is being worthy of the respect and admiration of family, friends, and business associates.
Sample 4: To remember where I have been and where I will go through maintaining positive relationships with family and friends. To choose the ethical way by making a personal commitment to honesty and integrity. To find peacefulness within myself by looking inward while using my heart to guide my dreams and desires, and my mind to pursue knowledge, creating balance among all of my obligations. To content myself in my surroundings so I will always know where security lies within my life. To build a reputation of being dedicated to every goal I choose to pursue while having successes in both my personal and professional life. To enjoy every moment along this journey finding laughter, love, and happiness with each day that passes.
Sample 5:
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.
