In the previous article “12 Tips to Develop a Personal Mission Statement” I have explained the what, why and how of such a statement.
Let us start demonstrating the creation of a personal mission statement now by looking together at examples of a personal mission statement. Just read through the examples in your own time, get the real feeling of a personal mission statement, become comfortable with it, and flow gently at your own pace with the idea of developing your own unique mission statement.
When you received the personal mission statements of the other people that you encouraged to create their statements, as recommended in the previous article, did you:
- try to identify the differences between the statements; and
- see what you can learn about the characteristics, vocational interests, principles and values, of the people behind the statements?
Now you are going to do exactly the same with the examples that are included in this article. You can also try to identify the process that each person followed by looking again at the what, why and how of a personal mission statement.
By doing this you will become aware of to what extend the ideas expressed in the first article, are reflected in and by the examples. Remember, those ideas are just man-made guidelines. Your creation of a mission statement does not have to measure up to every detail of it! This will kill your creativity! You will perhaps, and I sincerely hope you will, come up with something creative and unique that can’t be described beforehand by somebody else!
One of my role models, Stephen Covey, included in his magnum opus The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, a friend’s personal creed as well as the personal mission of a woman searching to balance work and family values. I would very much like to share these completely different kinds of philosophies with you here as example 1 and 2 respectively:
Example 1
“Succeed at home first. Seek and merit divine help. Never compromise with honesty. Remember the people involved. Hear both sides before judging. Obtain counsel of others. Defend those who are absent. Be sincere yet decisive. Develop one new proficiency a year. Plan tomorrow’s work today. Hustle while you wait. Maintain a positive attitude. Keep a sense of humor. Be orderly in person and in work. Do not fear mistakes –fear only the absence of creative, constructive, and corrective responses to those mistakes. Facilitate the success of subordinates. Listen twice as much as you speak. Concentrate all abilities and efforts on the task at hand, not worrying about the next job or promotion.”
Example 2
“I will seek to balance career and family as best I can since both are important to me.
My home will be a place where I and my family, friends, and guests find joy, comfort, peace, and happiness. Still I will seek to create a clean and orderly environment, yet livable and comfortable. I will exercise wisdom in what we choose to eat, read, see and do at home. I especially want to teach my children to love, to learn, and to laugh -and to work and develop their unique talents.
I value the rights, freedoms, and responsibilities of our democratic society. I will be a concerned and informed citizen, involved in the political process to ensure my voice is heard and my vote is counted.
I will be a self-starting individual who exercises initiative in accomplishing my life’s goals. I will act on situations and opportunities, rather than to be acted upon.
I will always try to keep myself free from addictive and destructive habits. I will develop habits that free me from old labels and limits and expand my capabilities and choices.
My money will be my servant, not my master.
I will seek financial independence over time. My wants will be subject to my needs and my means. Except for long-term home and car loans, I will seek to keep myself free from consumer debt. I will spend less than I earn and regularly save or invest part of my income.
Moreover, I will use what money and talents I have to make life more enjoyable for others through service and charitable giving.”
What is the Outcome?
I sincerely hope these examples have created a lot of energy and passion deep
inside you so that you are really inspired in this very moment, and ready to take massive action!
Just relax, breathe a little deeper,
repeat to yourself the following declaration,
and enjoy it in your own way:
I AM CREATING MY OWN MISSION STATEMENT NOW!
I START REALISING NOW THAT I CAN DO IT!
I DESERVE TO DO IT FOR MYSELF!
I CAN EXPERIENCE THE REAL ME!
HEY, ISN’T IT ALL FASCINATING?
I CAN DO IT IN MY OWN WAY!
I GO INTO ACTION NOW!
Leo Steyl Resilience Coach and Career Counselor
072 326 5 234
leosteyl@gmail.com