Creating a personal mission statement involves deep reflection and inner work. Here are some steps to help guide you through the process:
Self-Reflection: Start by considering what matters most to you. Reflect on your values, passions, strengths, and the profound impact God desires for you to have on the world. Journaling or discussing these topics with a life coach, accountability partner, spiritual leader, or mentor can provide valuable insights.
Identify Core Values: List your core values and anti-values – the principles that you hold most dearly. These might include integrity, compassion, creativity, or growth. These values will form the foundation of your mission statement. Your anti-values represent things you must avoid to the things that get under your skin. These might include selfishness, irresponsibility, or instability.
Envision Your Ideal Self: Think about the person you want to become or have become over the years. What qualities and characteristics do you admire in self and others? What legacy do you desire to leave behind? This vision will help shape the intentional aspect of your mission statement.
Draft and Refine: Write a draft of your mission statement, keeping it concise and clear. It should be inspiring and actionable, reflecting your values, spiritual guidance, and vision. Don’t worry about getting it perfect on the first try; revising and refining is part of the process.
Walk It Out: Once you have your mission statement, use it as a daily reminder and affirmation. Recite it daily until it becomes ingrained in your being. Let it guide your decisions, from major life choices to everyday actions. Periodically review and update it as you grow and evolve.
My Personal Mission Statement
- “My mission is to live a life of truth based upon 2 Timothy 1:7 and to focus first on the love of God, second on spreading love, and third on living on purpose by fulfilling my calling.” (Original)
- “My mission is to live a life of truth based upon 2 Timothy 1:7 and to focus on the love of God, spreading love, and living on purpose, in sequence, by fulfilling my calling through The Life Calling Coach.” (Evolved, 2024)
Other Examples of Personal Mission Statements
Here are a few examples to illustrate the diversity and personal nature of mission statements:
- “To live a life of integrity and kindness, inspiring others to do the same and leaving the world a better place.”
- “To pursue lifelong learning and growth, using my knowledge and skills to empower others and contribute to my community.”
- “To be a loving and supportive partner and parent, fostering a home filled with joy, understanding, and mutual respect.”
- “To be a voice for the voiceless.”
In a world that often seems chaotic and unpredictable, a personal mission statement can provide a sense of stability and purpose. It serves as a constant reminder of what is truly important, helping you to live more intentionally and authentically. By clarifying and committing to your core values and intentions, we can navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and fulfillment, ultimately leading a life that feels meaningful and worthwhile.
References
Brennfleck, K., & Brennfleck, K. M. (2004). Live Your Calling: A Practical Guide to Finding and Fulfilling Your Mission in Life. Wiley.
