You’re probably familiar with the concept of the mission statement, a usually brief sentence which expresses of the purpose of a company or organization: in essence, its reason for existing. Today, we’re going to work on your own personal mission statement, or purpose statement, whichever you prefer. A personal mission or purpose statement can provide clarity and give you a sense of purpose. It can help you define who you are.
Note that this is a personal statement, designed with the idea to represent your inner self, and not a professional mission statement. At each step, go with what feels right, without analyzing your answers.
- Download this list of words, and print it out.
- Highlight, underline, or circle the words in each category that resonate with you most. Add any words to each category that you feel are missing.
- Narrow it down to your favorites, and choose a maximum of three words from each category. Yes, three. Go with what feels right, without over analyzing it.
- Now pick your absolutely favorite from each category. Just one. Again, don’t over-analyze or agonize over this. Just choose one word from each category.
- Put the three words together to form the following sentence: “I am a (adjective) (noun) who (verbs).” Write out the sentence in full on the page.
- Add any words that are needed to clarify the sentence, without making too wordy. You want this to be clear and concise.
- Reflect on this sentence. How do you feel when you read it? Do you feel that it accurately represents who you are today? If not, adjust it as needed. But don’t over-analyze it. Go with what feels right, even if it surprises you.
- Write this purpose statement down on a separate piece of paper, and hang it where you can see it every day: either at your desk, or on your bathroom mirror, or somewhere else that you’ll see it each day.
- At the end of a week, reflect on how you feel about this statement. Adjust it if needed.
What did you learn from this exercise? Did your statement surprise you when you put the words together?
