According to Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, a personal mission statement serves as your personal constitution. It's a written document that defines your core values, principles, and life purpose. Think of it as your North Star - guiding every decision and action you take.
The first step is to identify your core values. Take a few minutes to think about what principles matter most to you. These might include integrity, growth, service to others, compassion, or excellence. Don't overthink this - just write down the first 3 to 5 values that resonate with your heart. These values will serve as the foundation for everything else in your mission statement.
The second step is to define your key roles. Think about the major areas of your life where you want to make a meaningful impact. These might include your role as a professional, parent, spouse or partner, community member, and your personal development. Each role represents a different sphere of influence where your values can be expressed. Don't worry about having too many - focus on the 4 to 6 most important roles in your current life stage.
Step three involves defining what you want to 'be' and what you want to 'do' for each of your key roles. The 'be' focuses on character - what kind of person do you want to become? Think about qualities like being trustworthy, compassionate, or growth-minded. The 'do' focuses on contribution - what specific actions or impacts do you want to have? This might include serving others, creating value, or building meaningful relationships. This distinction helps ensure your mission statement addresses both character development and meaningful action.
The final step is to draft your personal mission statement by combining everything you've identified. Don't aim for perfection on your first try - focus on capturing the essence of who you want to be and what you want to contribute. Write a few sentences that weave together your core values, key roles, and aspirations. Remember, this is a living document that you can refine over time. The important thing is to start with something that resonates with your heart and can guide your daily decisions.