Your Personal Mission Statement – Your True North

There is one tool that can keep you grounded in making decisions that align with your core values. It also keeps you focused on what’s important. This is an increasing need as our world becomes more and more complex. It’s how companies successfully drive their brand, and why successful people are clear about their purpose. It’s your mission statement; your true north. 

What Is A Mission Statement?

A mission statement is a simple and concise action-oriented statement describing your purpose. You may have seen them conspicuously posted in business places, but it’s not only for corporations. You can also have a mission statement, referred to as a personal mission statement. It’s a statement that transcends your career. It is short and is about your life’s goal and your purpose. 

Benefits of A Mission Statement

Should you have a personal mission statement? Well, embracing one gives your life PURPOSE and a higher meaning. 

Your mission statement helps you FOCUS on what’s important to you.

It serves as a GUIDE POST to where your life is going. It helps you make challenging decisions and everyday choices.

A mission statement is an inspirational and powerful way to COMMUNICATE what you are about. It helps people understand you.

My Personal Mission Statement

Many years ago, I read the book, The Path: Creating Your Mission Statement for Work and for Life, by Laurie Beth Jones. It spoke volumes to me. Not long after, I documented what my life was about.

To be a blessing to those I interact with, and to make a positive difference in at least one person’s life each day.

Over 20 years later, although I have tweaked the words slightly, my life is still guided by that mission.

How To Write a Personal Mission Statement

Writing your mission statement takes patience. You cannot rush through it. It is best done in an environment conducive to quiet reflection. Use these steps as a guide.

1. Start by brainstorming and writing down your core values and what you are passionate about in life.

2. Write down the goals you hope to achieve with your life. What difference do you want to make, or special skills to leverage?

3. Identify the legacy you hope to leave; what you want on your tombstone.

4. Do some research by asking those who know you best for nuggets on what they think is your purpose. What do they think you are driven to do?

5. From your brainstorm list and your research, select the words or phrases that best describe your purpose in your life.

6. Using those words and phrases, boil them down into one inspirational statement.

7. Finally, refine your statement. It may not be poster ready yet, but it’s a start, and it’s yours. 

Pro Tips (Make it…)

• Broad versus limiting.
• Long term (10yrs+).
• Short; not an essay. Maximum 3 sentences.
• Inspiring and achievable.

Template

You can use the following template if necessary: 

To [personal gifts, talent, or skills you want to use] so that [outcome you want to have]. 

Examples

“To engage and energize others by sharing my positive energy so that I inspire and build confidence in the people I touch every day.”

“To be a positive light in this world by sharing God’s love through the life I live so others experience true inner peace.”

“To use my voice every chance I get, through activism, to be the voice of the silent abused women so they can break free and thrive.”

A personal mission statement is a guidepost through the adventures of life. Increase your leadership effectiveness and inspire others by developing and sharing your personal mission statement; your true north.

Empowered Leader Reflection

What are you most passionate about in life? Write it down.

Join the conversation and share your passion or personal mission statement as an example for others to learn and grow.

Reference: Jones, Laurie Beth. The Path: Creating Your Mission Statement for Work and for Life, Hyperion, May 2, 1996.