Yesterday, after class, a student was sharing her idea for a research project. She wanted to connect career paths and happiness. She is personally a nurse, and felt like no other career could compare because it made her so happy to heal people. I told her how much I loved that her career brought her joy, after all, most people are not in a job that brings that purpose, let alone joy. I then challenged her by saying, "What about me? I am a teacher, and I don't believe any job can compare because my students make me so happy."
Have you found a purpose, or a mission in your life that brings you joy? If not, have you ever stopped to wonder what is missing? We all exist in a world where we all have to make at least a certain amount of money to pay the bills, to have enough to eat and not be homeless, but on a deeper level do you think about what you spend the majority of your week doing and smile?
Today I want to suggest something I did for myself years ago--writing a personal mission statement. A personal mission statement can help you determine not only your values and goals, but also define what matters most to you professionally, and sometimes personally too. It can also help you to make important decisions by keeping your life choices in careful alignment with those same things that matter the most to you. It makes decision-making easier as well, as it clarifies whether the decisions you're making are in alignment with what you want for your life.
Writing a personal mission statement can be time consuming, but the results are worth it. It helps you figure out exactly how to experience joy in every area of your life, including work.
There are 4 steps to creating a mission statement, remember not to rush the process. take the time needed to discuss and truly feel each step as you walk through the process.
Figure out what is most important to you. Start by thinking about who you are and who you have always wanted to be. Write down what matters to you the most. and what you're most passionate about. Consider what or who you most value and how your life is connected to those people or things.
Write down your most important goals. These can be concrete or abstract in nature. For example, one of my biggest goals is to make sure that at least one person's life is better because they knew me. I have also had many concrete goals throughout the years, like publishing a book and earning my doctorate.
Gain insight from those closest to you. Ask those people around you how they describe you or who they say you are. Ask them what you seem to value the most. It's almost like getting a second opinion from someone who truly loves you.
Determine what kind of legacy you want to leave. Do you want the world to be a happier place? Do you want more mental health resources to be available in the community? Do you want to have been an incredible mom? what do you want to be known for.
Once you have completed these 4 steps, it is important to craft a beautiful mission statement and place it somewhere you can see it and be reminded of it. Perhaps more importantly, put it into practice! Is it reflected in your resume? Does your job reflect this statement? If not, do you need to re-assess the path you are on?
My mission statement is:
To make the world a happier place in as big and beautiful ways as possible.
I choose to live my personal mission statement each and everyday. I hope you write yours and join me in living a life full of meaning and purpose.
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