Everyone is a personal brand with a purpose, whether they realize it or not. All they need is a tool that reminds them of their inner power and guides them toward accomplishing their purpose in life. A personal mission statement is one such powerful tool that takes us into our inner journey while guiding us toward making our presence in the outer world.
Have you ever considered setting a personal mission statement for yourself? If not, this article will guide you on how to set a personal mission statement and why you must have one.
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What is a personal mission statement?
Most of us are familiar with the mission statements of companies. They create a lasting impact on the consumer and also explain how the brand is committed to making a difference.
Mission statements are so powerful that they help identify the brands. For instance, “To refresh the world. To inspire moments of optimism and happiness. To create value and make a difference.” reminds us of Coca-Cola. Similarly, “To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful”, paints a vivid picture of Google.
A piece of good news is that mission statements are not limited only to big brands or companies. Every individual can set and realize their life purpose with the help of a personal mission statement.
A personal mission statement is your definition of success, irrespective of others’ approval. It is a guiding compass that ensures your professional career path aligns with your personal goals and describes:
- Your beliefs, values, and stance (what you stand for)
- Who you are and how you define success
- Your life plan to put your values into action
- The kind of mark you want to leave on the world
How does a personal mission statement help?
A personal mission statement brings together the puzzle pieces of one’s self and portrays a wholesome, satisfying picture. It prevents your focus from distractions and corrects your life and career path. A personal mission statement is a powerful tool that encourages us during times of:
- Inner conflict
- Self-doubt
- Imposter syndrome
- Change
It is also crucial to periodically review and revise your personal mission statement to ensure it is relevant to you and the changing times.
How to create a personal mission statement?
Before starting with setting a mission statement, dream big and look at your life’s big picture and get your “why” clear:
- How do you measure success?
- What makes you love to wake up every day?
- What are your strengths, beliefs, and values?
- What do you stand for or stand against?
- What more positive traits should you learn and develop?
To create an authentic statement, be true to yourself. Ensure that the personal mission statement reflects your inner passion, strengths, and goals. Focus on what you want to do rather than what you don’t want to do. Take the help of peers, mentors, and your support community to identify your strengths.
Also Read: 30 Productivity Hacks for Super Busy Professionals
Personal mission statement templates and examples
Importantly, the personal mission statement should be short and direct. It must answer three important elements:
- The value you intend to create
- Whom are you creating the value for
- The outcome/change you expect to accomplish.
For a clear understanding, consider the following templates:
Template #1:
“To use my (skills)to change/inspire (community or target group) to achieve (your ultimate goal).”
Examples:
“To use my speaking skills to change and inspire uneducated people in rural areas to achieve a better literacy rate.”
“To use my learning capabilities and desire for innovation and solve business/social problems through software development.”
“To use my teaching skills to change how students learn and inspire them to become better learners and individuals.”
Template #2:
“To (what you want to achieve or become) so that I can (goal you wish to accomplish).
Examples:
“To become a blood donor so that I can save more lives and spread hope and love.”
“To be a leader, add value to others’ lives through my presence, and uplift and motivate them towards achieving their dreams.”
Template #3:
“I value (your value(s)) because (the reason why you value it). To achieve this, I will (how you want to align your professional path with these values).”
Examples:
“I value health because I believe that it is the primary requisite for any individual. To achieve this, I will pursue a degree in medicine and offer my contributions to helping people stay healthy.”
“I value careers because I believe a job is a primary step for the financial independence of individuals. To achieve this, I will become a recruiter and help job seekers find wider opportunities.”
Also Read: How to set and achieve SMART Goals?
Personal mission statements of prominent personalities
The concept of a personal mission statement dates back to 1989 when Stephen R. Covey put forth the idea of beginning with the end in mind as the second habit in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People. Today, leaders and prominent personalities across the globe consider their personal mission statements as a powerful role in their success. Here we share some such inspiring personal mission statements of leaders:
- “To make people happy.” – Walt Disney
- “To be a teacher. And to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be.” – Oprah Winfrey
- “If something is important enough you should try, even if the probable outcome is failure.” – Elon Musk
- “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou
Your personal mission statement is your guide that drives you toward success when in times of hardship. Create one and embark on a fulfilling life and career journey.
Connect with our career counselors at hello@cloudely.com to clarify doubts about your career path.
