Per a recommendation from my new friend Maxie, I tried to write a personal mission statement this week. There are five steps to creating a mission statement (more here) and below is the process that I went through. I think I have another round of edits to go before this statement is finalized, but once it is, a personal mission statement can help you make decisions and stay on track for your goals.
1. Identify 5 past successes and try to find a theme
This was one of the hardest steps for me, because I am very goal oriented but once I achieve a goal I tell myself that it wasn't a big deal. But the successes that I came up with were:
- Making a positive impact when I was working as a Neighborhood Liaison for the Mayor
- Getting a city department off the ground
- Getting into and thriving in business school
- Winning Head of the Charles rowing regatta
- Finishing the Boston Marathon and raising more than $10,000 for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute
2. Identify your values (5-6)
I took this list of 50 values, and wrote down every one that resonated with me. I then whittled it down until I had six values. They are:
- Authenticity: I am most at peace when I am able to express my full self without reservation, and connect most when others do the same. No time for fake-ness around here.
- Fairness: I feel strongly that everyone should have a fair shot at life and am very upset by prejudice and disadvantage.
- Fulfillment: I have always had jobs with some sort of altruism, and have a strong desire to give back. This is not only because I think it's the right thing to do but also because it is when I feel most fulfilled and connected.
- Growth: I love learning and changing, and want to keep growing into a bigger, better human being.
- Hard working: I tend to throw my heart over the bar with everything that I do, and most respect others who do the same. People missing deadlines is one of my biggest pet peeves.
- Recognition: This is the value that makes me seem like a brat, but I know that I do best when I am in environments that recognize hard work.
3. Identify your contributions or the ways that you could make a difference
I would like to be a person who leads by example and leaves the world a better place. I'm a person who can be counted on, and try to see another perspective. I'd like to show the world that we're here for more than to make money, and I'd like to have a lasting impact on people's lives.
4. List your short term and long term goals
Short term, I would like to have radically authentic relationships and bring soulful fulfillment into my day. I'd like to step into my power and have more spaciousness and moments of feeling connected.
Long term, I want to serve others and make a difference. I'd like to freely and authentically express my whole self, and help others break their self limiting beliefs.
5. Write a mission statement
I live in the flow, grow and learn every day. I am fully in my power and have soulful fulfillment. I have radically authentic relationships and am the person people turn to. I help others and make a difference. I live life to its fullest.
