Most people measure you by your accomplishments. The amazing part of this is though that most people compile their track record of accomplishments by mistake.
There’s no plan but simply a reaction to the opportunities as they show up in your life. This indicates that accomplishments are externally motivated, not internally driven. And in my own personal experiences, a personal mission statement will help you organize your thoughts + priorities and therefore your life.
Your personal mission statement will force you to constantly re-evaluate who you are, what you’re about, and what you’re doing.
As an example, when I created the Rebels Den, I created this Manifesto – which also serves as a personal mission statement for me.
The basics of a mission statement are as follows:
Make it short and to the point.
Nelson Mandela’s mission statement, developed over his 27 years in prison in South Africa, says just this: End Apartheid. Note that mission statements can change. Perhaps a mission is accomplished.
Keep your mission statement short, to the point, simple. Use direct language. The more clear you are, the better it can be understood and you’ll be more or less on track.
Make it memorable so it can be burned into your consciousness. I know that my manifesto is a bit long but I can look at it at any moment and remind myself of my purpose and my mission. So if it feels too jumbled, simplify, condense, laser your thought process until you’ve said everything you need to say in the fewest and strongest possible words.
Eliminate excuses. Before you can write an effective mission statement you must clear away the excuses that prevent most people from writing one in the first place.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your job is your mission. It’s only part of it…or not. Either way, remember that a mission is larger than a job. Your job may change, but your mission may not.
In fact, there are times that a job must change in order for a mission to be completed. So don’t lock yourself in a box that says that you are your work. You’re far more than that. Another trap…excuse…is My role is my mission. You may think of your role as breadwinner or you’re the parent.
The operating principle here is that your role, too, may change. In fact, like your life, evolves your role will almost certainly change. I mean kids grow up and eventually move out.
The third excuse you may not want to admit is that we may believe that we’re just not important enough to have a mission statement. You may say, mission statements are for businesses only and you don’t believe that you deserve one.
Clear out influences that have driven you in the past. A mission statement isn’t about what you think you should be doing. It’s about what brings excitement into your life and every fiber of your being.
Stop listening to all those voices from the past…the ones that told you you weren’t worth anything, that you’d never succeed, and so forth.
My foster parents used to tell me I am worthless and I wouldn’t be successful and it was what was in my head for the longest time. I’ve since learned to use those voices when they show up and often make al list of how I have been successful – in small and big ways.
When you concentrate on your dreams and your goals, create that personal mission statement – you’ll be more successful because now you’ve chosen to focus on your own why and created priorities that matter to you.
Play + Dream Bigger!
Cheers,
Petra
P.S. The Gathering is the places and space to make it all happen. It’s where I’ve combined all of my experiences + knowledge into one place – including a personal mission statement. Your life is waiting for you. Are you ready?
