If 24 years in the Air Force has taught me anything, it is the central importance of the mission. When people in an organization are clear on the mission, good things happen. They coalesce around a common purpose, energy is called forth toward the fulfillment of the mission, and work is focused to accomplish it. A mission statement captures the mission in words that resonate across the organization.
Although the notion of mission certainly has a religious connotation in the sense of being called to work for a higher purpose, it is still very much applicable to both organizations and individuals. In fact, the best results are achieved when organizational and individual missions align.
However, it’s far more common for an organization to have a stated mission than it is for an individual to have one. That’s a shame because a clear mission provides focus, orientation, and gravitas to your work.
So let’s delve a little deeper into how to craft a personal mission.
It starts with asking a series of questions, the answers to which, if you’ve done the work to uncover your needs and values, should flow freely. If they don’t, it’s absolutely essential that you take the time needed to develop at least the beginning of answers that resonate with you.
– What values guide my life?
– What innate qualities, strengths, and learned skills do I bring to the table?
– What do I want my life to mean?
– How will what I do or intend to do matter to the world?
– Why is this important?
Once those answers start to become clear, then your actual mission statement can be written. Then you need to incorporate the following elements of a strong personal mission:
Achievable. It’s perfectly acceptable—even necessary—to dream big. But no big dreams are accomplished overnight. Make sure your mission is one that you can see yourself achieving in the time context you envision.
Clear. If your mother or a stranger can understand what you’re mission is when you tell them, then you’ve achieved clarity. A clear mission gives you a profoundly simple focus for everything you do.
Inspiring. Your mission should motivate you continually to action and ongoing commitment. It should breathe life into you as you go about your quest to fulfill it. It should evoke an image of a better world that connects with your spirit.
Specific. Your mission must capture precisely what you are called to do. As warranted, include the who, what, where, when, and how of your mission. The more specific you can make, the more powerful your mission will be.
Simple. Use easy to understand words and keep it short. No more than 25 words, but preferably much less.
Values-Aligned. A mission that is aligned with your fundamental values becomes a mission with power to move mountains. In this sense, your mission is a direct reflection of who you are, what you stand for, and what you intend to do to make the world a better place.
When I began thinking about what I wanted to do after I completed my Air Force career, I put myself through a process much like the one I describe here. At some points it was not easy, as many of the questions I had not considered before or some of the answers that arose were unexpected.
But it was well worth the struggle because now I have a personal mission that is achievable, clear, inspiring, specific, simple, and values-aligned.
This is my mission:
“Inspire hope everywhere by raising a force of heroic leaders who change the world for the good.”
It will be much touchstone to help me endure the tough times, enjoy the good times, and keep me moving forward on my own leadership journey.
Send me a comment and let me know your mission. Or if you’re looking for assistance in developing one, just ask me and I’ll be glad to lend a hand.
By Joe Scherrer | The Leadership Crucible Writer