Crafting your personal mission statement

'Living document' provides stability and perspective

By: Tom Gegax

Knowing what you want out of life can help you become a better person and better business leader. One way to sharpen your focus is to put pencil to paper — or fingers to keyboard — and craft a personal mission statement. It helps zero in on why you’re here (surely there’s more to life than worrying your mother).

This gets you thinking big thoughts about what you want to give and get out of life. Think of your mission statement as a beacon in the darkness that helps you navigate indecision. It prevents dreams from drifting off course and getting dashed on the rocks of inertia.

Whether a single paragraph or a page, your mission statement can mean the difference between living a life of choice or a life of chance.

The act of writing out a vision crystallizes conviction and trues-up your internal compass. It also unpacks the wisdom of the adage, “The purpose of life is a life of purpose.” When I act in concert with my mission, opportunities are more obvious, big decisions come easier.

You’ll avoid bolting up in bed some night with the horrible realization that your dreams have gone unfulfilled, scattered to the wind like wisps of smoke. Do the work you need to do, right now. Don’t wait until you find yourself on your knees, awash in regrets. Been there, hated that.

Writing my mission statement reconnected my head to my soul. Yet I don’t expect it to shield me from life’s vicissitudes. Chaos and calamity may pay me another visit, especially when I lose focus and drift. The difference now is that it’s easier to regain my footing. Thanks to the stability and perspective of my mission statement.

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Related Topics: Business insight, Tom Gegax

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