A mission is defined as “a pre-established and often self-imposed objective or purpose.” It can also be thought of as a calling. (Source: merriam-webster.com)

The concept of a mission statement is not new, which is exactly why it is so easy to disregard its tremendous potential and power. Mission statements are so commonplace now as to be completely cliché. When you encounter one, you likely either ignore it altogether, or secretly ridicule it. They are just another one of those things that most adults don’t believe in anymore because they’ve worked at companies with a giant chasm between their stated mission and their actual activities. Statements of purpose and high ideals can seem quaint (or foolish) to a mind jaded by experience. Nonetheless, the concept of a mission statement is as beautiful as a polished gemstone, and can be applied to your own life with great results.

The whole point of a mission statement is to have something you can turn to when you are weighing different options, and are unsure how to proceed. For example: If your mission is to provide healthy breakfasts to families with children who are experiencing persistent food insecurity, then opening a crafts center would be inconsistent with your mission⏤no matter how beautiful a goal⏤and therefore likely to distract you from your primary purpose. The mission statement defines what work is your work, and what work is the work of other people. Think of it as a written commitment to yourself to stay focused on your particular assignment here on Earth. While it can be revisited and readjusted, reimagined, or redefined year after year, putting it into words brings it to life with a clarity that is both inspiring and empowering. Consider sitting down today, and crafting a personal mission statement to define your life’s objectives⏤as you see them⏤and to guide your actions in a way that furthers those objectives.

As an example of a well-crafted mission statement, look at this one from a large healthcare corporation (Universal Health Services, Inc.). If a giant corporation can state its mission so beautifully, then you can, too. What makes this statement so interesting is that they define their purpose in terms of all the different relationships they are a part of: “To provide superior quality healthcare services that: PATIENTS recommend to family and friends, PHYSICIANS prefer for their patients, PURCHASERS select for their clients, EMPLOYEES are proud of, and INVESTORS seek for long-term returns.” (Source: 54 Powerful Mission Statement Examples, indeed.com)

What is your calling? Is there a simple and clarifying way to put this into words?

Copyright 2023 Kesel Wilson (entirely, 100% human-created)

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