You know, as I go about writing each little piece for Born to Bloom, I seem to want to start out each one by saying, “Now THIS one is vitally important!”
Because each one really is important—learning to forgive, dealing with regrets, discovering our temperament type and gifts & talents, prayer, thanksgiving, learning to love and be loved, etc.
ALL important.
Creating a mission statement will be, without question, one of the most powerful and significant things you will ever do to take leadership of your life. ~ Stephen R. Covey
A mission statement is a different kind of important.
It sets the very course of our life—from the overall big picture down to our daily decisions and to-do lists.
It defines who we are, what we want to “accomplish” with our life, and where we hope to end up. It takes our gifts and talents and puts them to use.
God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings. 1 Peter 4:10
I’ve read several books on creating a mission statement and, interestingly, although there were commonalities, they all seemed to have different ideas on how to do it and what it should look like.
Some authors gave examples of very long mission statements—which were actually more like paragraphs.
But I guess as a whole it’s still “a statement.”
“A statement” isn’t necessarily “a sentence” or “a paragraph.”
Statement: a definite or clear expression of something in speech or writing.
But other authors felt the mission statement should be much more concise and, in fact, just a sentence– if possible.
One mission statement that I read was very short but power-packed. It was General Norman Schwarzkopf’s response when he was asked in an interview how he would describe his life: “A good soldier who served his country and loved his family.” He wasn’t asked what his mission statement was, but it really was just that. It showed his purpose and his priorities in only 11 words!
But, really, discovering and developing your mission statement should take some thoughtful consideration.
In some of the books I read, the authors acted as though you could just quickly select a few words off some lists, paste them together, and voila—your life’s mission statement completed in a few minutes—a statement that is supposed to define our purpose and serve as a compass for the rest of our life!
Perhaps we can learn a lot about ourselves in a brief look at some lists, but I think we should give it more than 15 minutes of our time.
Developing a personal mission statement is profound and deep work. Take time and be patient. ~ Stephen Covey, “How to Develop Your Personal Mission Statement”
Pay the price to dig deep. ~ Dr. Blaine Lee
To create a mission statement, you must do just that—dig deep.
We must get in touch with our inner and true self—the core of who we are.
Just as with our gifts and talents, we are discovering our mission and purpose, not inventing it.
It’s not as much an intellectual exercise as it is an exercise of the heart—discovering what’s in our heart, in our spirit—how we are programmed.
Before we get into some particulars, I want to quote a passage from Stephen Covey’s book “How to Develop Your Personal Mission Statement“—an excellent little book on the subject–in order to instill the importance of this:
“Here’s something to think about carefully. The opposite of a mission statement is the opposite of beginning with the end in mind: beginning with no end in mind, no intellectual creation, no envisioning of the future. In other words, to let life happen. To be swept along with the flow of society’s values and social trends, without any sense of compass, without a map, without vision, without purpose. In a sense, someone else has done the creation of your mission statement for you and, unaware, you’re simply living out the script that has been given to you. “
I found those words to be extremely powerful motivators for developing a mission statement.
I don’t want society to be my compass—to define which way my life goes!
An additional important point in this book was drawn from another author whose book is quite famous, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” by Viktor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist who was a Holocaust survivor.
From his observations in the concentration camps of Germany of those who had survival mentalities and those who did not, he came to believe that we must find a sense of purpose and hope and vision for our future in order to have a chance, or desire, of surviving. And he also concluded that most diseases originate in our spirit, not our bodies.
So setting a purpose for our lives helps bring us hope and healing and meaning for all that we do.
Another one of the author’s I read, Laurie Beth Jones, who wrote “The Path: Creating Your Mission Statement for Work and Life,” suggested that we create not only a mission statement, but also a vision statement—two separate statements.
I tend to agree because we then have a tight, focused mission statement to draw on and share at any given time, and then a more detailed “fleshed-out” vision that helps keep us more on track.
She defines the two like this:
“A mission statement is centered around the process of what you need to be doing, a vision statement is the end result of what you will have done.”
I think of it like this: A mission statement is the overarching purpose for everything you do in your life—no matter where you are or what you are doing.
A vision statement gets more specific with descriptive details about how you will apply your mission to your real-life daily living and a visualization about what you want your life to look like—what your ideal life would be. (I have an example of mine farther down in this blog).
There is so much power to visualizing and writing things down. I talk about this in the “What’s Your Dream?” section as well. These actually overlap. Our vision and mission and dream are all wrapped into one beautiful package.
So what’s the process for writing our mission and vision statements.
In Stephen Covey’s little book, he tells a story written by Arthur Gordon called “The Turn of the Tide.” Apparently it has been around awhile but this was the first time I had read it. (2016).
I found the little story—like a parable, really—online. I think it’s worth putting here for you to read because it helps us to see what preparation we might need to take in order to write our mission statement. Our fast-paced instant society isn’t interested in setting aside times for thoughtful contemplation. It seems to be something we have to re-learn!
Here is the story:
“The Turn of the Tide” by Arthur Gordon
Arthur Gordon tells of a time in his life when he began to feel that everything was stale and flat. His enthusiasm had all but disappeared; his writing efforts were fruitless, and the situation was getting worse day by day.
Finally, he decided to get help from a medical doctor. Observing nothing physically wrong, the doctor asked him if he would be able to follow his instructions for one day. When Gordon replied that he could, the doctor told him to spend the following day in a place where he was the happiest as a child. He could take food, but he was not to talk to anyone or to read or write or listen to the radio.
He then wrote out four prescriptions and told him to open one at nine, twelve, three, and six o’clock.
“Are you serious?” Gordon asked him.
“You won’t think I’m joking when you get my bill!” was the reply.
So the next morning, Gordon went to the beach. As he opened the first prescription, he read, “Listen carefully.” He thought the doctor was insane! How could he listen for three hours?
Nevertheless, he had agreed to follow the doctor’s order, so he listened.
He heard the usual sounds of the sea and the birds. After a while, he could hear the other sounds that weren’t so apparent at first. As he listened, he began to think of lessons the sea had taught him as a child—patience, respect, and an awareness of the interdependence of things. He began to listen to the sounds—and the silence—and to feel a growing peace deep within.
At noon, he opened the second slip of paper and read, “Try reaching back.” “Reaching back to what?” he wondered. Perhaps to childhood, perhaps to memories of joy. He tried to remember them with exactness, and in remembering, he found a growing warmth inside.
At three o’clock, he opened the third piece of paper. Until now, the prescriptions had been easy to take, but this one was different; it said, “Examine your motives.”
At first he was defensive.
He thought about what he wanted—success, security, recognition—and he justified them all. Yet then the thought occurred to him that those motives weren’t good enough. That perhaps therein was the answer to his stagnant situation.
He considered his motives deeply and thought about past happiness, and at last, the answer came to him.
In a flash of certainty, he wrote, “I saw that if one’s motives are wrong, nothing can be right. It makes no difference whether you are a mail carrier, a hairdresser, an insurance salesperson, a home-maker—whatever. As long as you feel you are serving others, you do the job well. When you are concerned only with helping yourself, you do it less well—a law as unrelenting as gravity.”
When six o’clock came, the fourth prescription didn’t take long to fill. “Write your worries on the sand,” it said.
He knelt and wrote several words with a piece of broken shell; then he turned and walked away. He didn’t look back: he knew the tide would come in!
This story is really almost like an introduction into the contemplative life that I am just now (2015/2016) beginning to discover myself—a lifestyle I want to incorporate and live out for the rest of my life. (I talk more about that in the section “come away with Me.” )
The contemplative life is learning to make time for silence and contemplation—to hear the voice of God, to discover our deepest values, and much, much more.
In Covey’s book, he talks about how sometimes people don’t want to stop long enough to look and listen because we may not like what we see and hear—that often we will discover a gap between our values and how we want to live and how we are actually living.
We become accountable for that and the need for change.
Oh here we go again.
Back to the subject of difficult change!
But it’s worthwhile change!
Change for the better!
We may not like what we see, but we know that we are still able to do something about it.
Taking time to write a mission statement is the beginning of change—the change to become the person you really want to be—the person GOD created you to be!
This lifestyle change will bring a deep peace into your life. It’s like getting an alignment—we won’t feel off balance any more!
And I think it is of utmost importance to take the time to be still to relax and ponder and hear… to hear God, and the authentic real you that He created you to be. Both will speak to you in these times.
Make a date with God.
Set aside an entire day or weekend.
So…some practical exercises. And, yes. It will include some lists to choose words from. I just don’t advise rushing through the process.
First of all, take some time to thoughtfully answer some of these questions:
• If I was on my deathbed and being interviewed for a story, what would I say is most important in life?
• What would I want others to say about me at my funeral?
• What qualities do I most admire in others?
• What have been my happiest moments in my work life? Why?
• If I had unlimited time and money, what would I do?
• What activities energize me?
• What are my greatest strengths?
• Who is the one person who has made the greatest positive impact on my life, and why?
• What did I love to do as a child?
• What seems to be the common thread that keeps appearing in my life no matter what role I’m playing? (For example, I cook meals, tell stories, listen to people’s problems, etc. –no matter what job I have or where I’m living.)
• How can I serve others in a meaningful way throughout my life?
Select three action words that best describe you:
Accomplish
Build
Listen
Organize
Teach
Persuade
Negotiate
Decorate
Encourage
Empathize
Enlighten
Cook
Clean
Counsel
Administer
Advise
Construct
Create
Evaluate
Imagine
Plan
Help
Write
Demonstrate
Identify
Acquire
Devise
Illuminate
Adopt
Direct
Implement
Advance
Discover
Improve
Affect
Discuss
Improvise
Affirm
Distribute
Inspire
Alleviate
Draft
Integrate
Amplify
Dream
Involve
Educate
Believe
Lead
Entertain
Enthuse
Nurture
Or one of your own…
Choose three of the groups or causes that most attract you:
Environment
Community Development
Family Issues
Labor Relations
Education
Literacy
Media/Journalism
Civil Rights issues
Health Care
Sexuality Issues
Elderly
Fashion
Children
The Arts
Poverty Issues
Books
The Homeless
Music
Immigration
Cinema
Energy
Design
Agriculture
Political issues
The Justice System
Government
Parks and Recreation
Youth
Veterans
Land Development/Preservation
Substance Abusers
Business
Nutrition
Non-Profit Agencies
Law
Churches
Public Safety
The Ill and Disabled
Human Growth & Development
Defense
Infants
Space Exploration
Water Rights
Sports
Tourism
Food & Nutrition
Pro-Life Issues
Computer Technology
Research
Administration
Bio-Tech Management
Women’s or Men’s Needs
Construction
Animal Care
Travel
Broadcasting
Finance/Investment
Child Abuse/Protection
Real Estate
Child Care
Printing and Publishing
Home Health Care
Religion/Spirituality
Global Economy Internet
From the chart above (or one of your own causes), pick THE ONE cause that you are most committed to.
The final exercise: The following formula will assist you in putting together your mission statement.
Taking the words and answers to the questions, fill in the blanks below.
My Mission is to:
_______________________, _______________________
and ___________________________ (Use the 3 verbs)
to, for, with, or through
___________________________ (The group/cause which most moves/excites you)
It is important to remember that a mission statement requires some time investment to get it “just right.” I want to re-emphasize the importance of investing time in defining what the words in your mission statement really mean to you and how committed to them you truly plan to be. This can change the course of your life!
My “mission” and purpose is to encourage and inspire women of all ages to know God more intimately, to assure them that He deeply and unconditionally loves & cherishes them, and to help them have an unfolding revelation of their immeasurable value and that they are gifted for a beautiful purpose.
I know I didn’t exactly follow the formula. And, if you want to, you can put more specifics in there—perhaps adding in your talent or skill—like building, cooking, writing, acting.
The vision statement gets into more detail of “the how” and “what it looks like.” We “see” ourselves in action.
A vision statement is seeing our future and putting it in the present tense. Kind of like faith, amen?
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
For me it would be something like this:
I am writing in various ways to encourage and create a hunger in women to know God more intimately–and to help them discover who He created them to be— which is amazing, one-of-a-kind creations with great value and unique purpose. I believe that knowing more about ourselves helps us to know God better and vice versa. I spend my days studying the Bible and reading devotionals and books written by others on this path of knowing God—those who have gone before me and are leading the way. The more I learn, the more I grow and can share and help others who are struggling in any way because I believe that God has every answer we need. I live in a setting of stunning natural beauty that helps me feel closer to God and continues to inspire me so that I can inspire others. I have created an environment of beauty and surroundings that are conducive for this quest to know more of God and of ourselves and I am sharing it with others. I take long hikes and bike rides that keep me strong physically and keep me out in the setting I so love. I eat fresh and delicious natural foods that give my body what it needs to be healthy and strong. I am surrounded with friends and animals–kindred spirits– that bring joy, peace, inspiration, creativity, love, and fulfillment into my life.
(I wrote that pretty fast so I am sure I will need to refine it.)
Here are some examples of corporate mission statements to give you more ideas. I think they have to be even more concise because they use it in their advertising materials and such.
“To save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.” -American Lung Association
“Prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.” -American Red Cross
“Empower professionals to develop knowledge & skills successfully.” -American Society for Training and Development
“To provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.” -ASPCA
“To change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders.” -Autism Speaks
“To be the leader in advancing marketplace trust.” -Better Business Bureau
“We help children realize their potential and build their futures. We nurture children and strengthen communities.” -Big Brothers Big Sisters
“To enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by helping people reach their full potential through education, skills training and the power of work.” -Goodwill
“To put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.” -Habitat for Humanity
“To stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.” -MADD
“To improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, infant mortality, and premature birth.” -March of Dimes
“To inspire hope and contribute to health and well-being by providing the best care to every patient through integrated clinical practice, education and research.” -Mayo Clinic
“Cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.” -National Park Service
“Inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future.” -National Wildlife Federation
“Celebrating Animals, Preventing Cruelty.” -The Humane Society
“To honor and empower Wounded Warriors.” -Wounded Warrior Project
Enjoy your time of dreaming and praying for your God-inspired mission and vision statements.
Write them down and put them somewhere you will see them daily.
They will keep you centered, focused, inspired and on track with how you spend your limited time on this earth.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS:
How To Develop Your Personal Mission Statement ~ Stephen R. Covey
The Path: Creating Your Mission Statement for Work and for Life ~ Laurie Beth Jones
The Success Principles: How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be ~ Jack Canfield