How to Write a Own Personal Mission Statement

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step--and a road map. A personal mission statement is the direction you want your life to head towards and the steps you plan to take in order to get to your destination. It serves as a reminder of your overriding goals, beliefs and values and becomes and internal compass. Follow these steps to write one for yourself.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Paper
• Pen

1. Envision yourself at 80 years old. How do you want your family and friends to describe you? How do you want your life to play out? What would you want your obituary to read?
2. List five long range goals you have for yourself concerning your family. Repeat this process for your career, your hobbies and your interests.
3. Name the top 10 relationships in your life. Make a note of what is important to you about that relationship.
4. Identify your basic roles in life: father, real estate agent, daughter, church elder or volunteer.
5. Record the contributions you want to have made by the end of your life. Note at what age you would like to have accomplished these goals.
6. Note specific goals you have for the fulfillment of the four basic needs: physical, social, mental and spiritual.
7. Begin crafting a rough draft of your mission statement by turning some of the above ideas into a complete sentences or declarations. The goal is to motivate you, not impress anyone or become a “To Do List.”
8. Reread the rough draft, editing and focusing the mission statement to precisely match your values and goals.
9. Put the mission statement away for one week and then return to it with a fresh eye. Edit again until it says exactly what you mean.
10. Print your new mission statement out on paper and keep it somewhere where you can review it periodically, such as in your journal, day planner, calendar or Bible.
11. Revise your mission statement periodically as life circumstances change, as you grow personally and as your accomplish more and more of your life goals.

Tips & Warnings

• A mission statement is not a “to do list.” It is a “to be” list. It should be a selection of personal goals that helps mold you into the person you one day hope to be.
• Write your mission statement for you, not anyone else. It is meant to inspire you and keep you on track. Feel free to keep it private.