What is Your Mission?

One of the tools I use to stay focused in my business is my mission statement. I refer to and tweak it often. My mission statement helps me stay centered on my goals and stirs me on to be a better a better version of myself, both professionally and personally. I have a written mission statement for this blog, my business and my personal life, which you can read here.

Do you have a written mission for your business and/or life? If not, why not? There are several benefits in creating a mission statement for your business and personal life:

Creating a mission statement forces you to think deeply about your passions and goals in life.
It helps you clarify and express your purpose, goals and objectives.
It can be a guide for all your decisions and help you stay on track.
It can help you stay motivated and focused during the “rough spots.”

Now that you are convinced to create a mission statement, you may be wondering how to go about writing one. The first thing you can do when you sit down to create your mission statement, begin by asking yourself: What is my business (or blog or life) about? Why does my business exist? What am I trying to accomplish? Write down your answers.

Next spend some time thinking about your core values and past/present contributions you have made. What are they? Is there an underlying “common denominator” running through you lists? What is it? Write down your answers.

Finally, put it all together. This is the time to actually write the mission statement. Try to condense your statement to 3-5 sentences. You want your statement to be short, simple and to the point.

The mission statement is done - now what? Put a copy of your mission statement where you will see it and read it often. Tape it to your refrigerator and bathroom mirror. Keep a copy next to your bed. Internalize it and memorize it. Use it as a guideline daily, weekly or monthly to examine how you are growing both professionally and personally.

While you’re at it, put it on all of your marketing materials: website, business cards, brochures, and flyers. Use it as your ‘elevator speech’ whenever you are talking about your business to potential clients. Doing this will help keep you accountable to live up to your goals and promises.

If you are ready to get started, here are a few sample mission statements and resources to help you:

www.missionstatements.com

www.franklincovey.com

www.quintcareers.com

Create a Vision

Now that your mission statement is done, would you be willing to share it? Please post it to the comments. I’d love to see what you have come up with. Thanks!