As 2016 approaches, I bet you are fired up with those New Year Resolutions. You are going to be better, do things faster, achieve this and that. Well, I have bad news for you. In the long term, only 20% of you will actually keep to these resolutions and get results, according to one study done by University of Scranton researchers.
A much better idea is to write a personal mission statement. Now, before you groan inwardly and think of all those company mission statements you hear about in meetings, read on.
The idea is simple, effective, and puts New Year’s Resolutions in the shade. The main reason is that you are writing down for the record what you want to be. Think of what you will be like when you achieve it. Think about what you are like when you are at your best. Make a promise to yourself and keep it. If you are stuck for ideas you could read Stephen Covey’s bestselling book which is entitled The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons In Personal Change
Here are some examples to get you going.
“To have fun in [my] journey through life and learn from [my] mistakes.” – Sir Richard Branson
“To serve as a leader, live a balanced life, and apply ethical principles to make a significant difference.”- Denise Morrison, CEO Campbell Soup
“My mission is to give, for giving is what I do best and I can learn to do better.” – Anonymous
“To be a teacher. And to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be.” – Oprah Winfrey
“I want to be the kind of person my dog already thinks I am.” – Anonymous
There are some more great ideas here to help you build a personal mission statement if you are still stuck. Once you write your statement, you will experience these six benefits:
1. You’ll feel your life has a purpose
Whatever your role on this planet, whether you are a manager, husband, lover, or friend, the personal mission statement will be there to spur you on to do better. It is there in black and white and can help you to focus on achieving this goal and many others.
2. You’ll be able to do progress checks
It is a great tool to keep an eye on how much progress you are making when you come up against some tough life choices. How far or close are you to completing this one and moving on to the next? Without it, you might be floundering around in a sea of indecision.
3. You’ll be much more productive
With that mission statement forming part of your daily mantra or if it is a post-it on your computer, you’ll find that you will be more productive. It really gives you a chance to get rid of a lot of the time wasting activities and being less distracted.
“In an age of distraction, nothing can feel more luxurious than paying close attention.” – Pico Iyer, The Art of Stillness
4. You’ll be more motivated
You know how you make excuses about certain obstacles or circumstances getting in your way? It is a great way to avoid completing a task or a deadline. Obstacles need to be pushed aside and not block your path to success. Your personal mission statement takes on much more importance and can help you stay more motivated.
5. You’ll be more focused on your talents
Remember when we said that an essential part of writing the statement is when you list all your talents and what you excel at doing? Skills, natural gifts and talents will now be to the forefront and there is no better way to self fulfillment. These are the ingredients in the mix which will be developed and grown for success, rather than left in the trash can of failure.
6. You’ll be stronger when times get tough
When you have to face a break up or an unbearable boss, you may have to weather a few storms. Your personal mission statement will be there to give you a sense of stability in turbulent times.
Yes, circumstances change but your mission statement is still as valid as ever.
“There’s always another level up. There’s always another ascension. More grace, more light, more generosity, more compassion, more to shed, more to grow.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
Featured photo credit: Day 148: the end of the line/ Bruce Guenter via flickr.com
