Almost all successful organizations have mission statements. It provides guidance to the what and where the organization wants to be and how they intend to go about it.

Here is Dell Computer Corporation’s mission statement:

“Dell’s mission is to be the most successful computer company in the world at delivering the best customer experience in markets we serve. In doing so, Dell will meet customer expectations of:

– Highest quality
– Leading technology
– Competitive pricing
– Individual and company accountability
– Best-in-class service and support
– Flexible customization capability
– Superior corporate citizenship
– Financial stability

The Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. mission statement is:
“To attract and attain customers with high-valued products and services and the most satisfying ownership experience in America.”

A personal mission statement is a little different from an organization but it fundamentals are the same.

A personal mission statement according to Stephen Covey, the author of the bestselling 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, is: like a personal constitution, the basis for making major life-directing decisions, the basis of making daily decisions in the midst of the circumstances and emotions that affect our lives.

Personal mission statement is like a road map that guides us in our journey in life. It provides thrust and is a statement of purpose. Personal mission statement must inspire and excite. It should also build character.

Here are the things that you need to write your personal mission statement.

1. Paper and pen.

2. A place you are not interrupted.

3. Being aware of yourself. Personal mission statement cannot be written overnight. You must look into yourself and know your likes and dislikes. What are your talents and your passions. What makes you do the things you do.

4. Know your personality and the roles you play in life: son, father, electrical engineer, community leader or social worker.

5. Your personality traits. Write down all the good qualities you have for each role you play in life. Write only the positives. Are you charming? Generous? Optimist? Vivacious? Enthusiastic?

6. Know your beliefs and core values. This is an important part in writing a personal mission statement. Take your time to ponder upon this. Write down your beliefs and core values. After that narrow to more important beliefs and most important belief and value. To choose your most important value and belief, think about what impact you want to have, what you want others to remember you by.

7. Identify your goals. Write down about your priorities in life and your goals. Make a list of your short-term goals (from one to three years) and long-term goals (beyond three years).

8. Write down your mission statement. Incorporate items three to seven from the above and start writing your personal mission statement. Don’t rush through this and make it concise. You might have write and re-write a few times before getting it right.

9. Live it. Once you have written your personal mission statement, it is time to apply it. Remind yourself daily of your personal mission statement so that it is etched into your conscious mind and subconscious mind.

Personal mission statement that you write and live by, first and most importantly must inspire you and secondly guide you to reach your goals.

Author Bio: A. Majid is inspired by the greatest self help book ever written, A Touch of Greatness. He shares his passion and lessons from from the book at A Touch of Greatness

Category: Self Help
Keywords: personal,mission,statement