A few months ago, I read Stephen Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, which is one of the 7 best books I've read so far this year. As with every good book I read, I make sure I adopt at least one vital idea addressed by the author in it. From this book, I was able to understand the importance of having my own personal mission statement and core values. Usually, only corporations and organizations do stuff like that, but Stephen and I agree that every human being who wants to make the most of life must do it too.
So, I have tried to simplify the necessary steps for you. All you need to do is follow my instructions and in no time, you will have properly defined your own personal mission statement and core values. This will serve as the compass for your choices in life.
1. Ask yourself, "What Am I Most Passionate About?"
This may sound cliche, but it is so for a reason. The most important things are usually so simple and easily overlooked. So, before you say that sounds cliche again, allow me ask you, DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE THE GREATEST PASSION FOR? EHN?! DO YOU KNOW?! HAVE YOU WRITTEN IT DOWN BEFORE?! If you answer 'no' to this, then, please don't say it is cliche.
Because if you cannot easily tell what you are most passionate about, then you have a long way to go beofre you find fulfilment. You may say that you are not passionate about one thing, that there are several. Well, welcome to my world. That means you are a polymath in the making. Therefore, you have passion for polymathy. Defining this passion and putting it in writing will make going forward much easier.
2. Define Your Core Values
Your core values are the yardstick by which you consciously and unconsciously measure your decisions. For example, my core values are:
- Capacity building
- Possibility mentality
- Integrity
- Contribution
- Diligence
Yes, they are derived from my Alma Mater, Covenant University, and yes, I live by them. So, over to you. What are your core values? What guides your decision making?
3. Now, it is Time to Craft Your Mission Statement
You know what, this is the easiest thing to do. If you are lazy, you should be happy with what I am about to tell you.
The way to know your mission statement is this, ask yourself "What do I absolutely want to achieve, that once I achieve it, I can die in peace?"
Once you answer that question, write it down. And ta da! You are now one step closer to being a very serious person.
So, tell me (if you want), what do you absolutely want to achieve in this life?
Hey David
ReplyDeleteAwesome Post I Must Say. It is very Important to ask ourselves about our life rather than asking for opinions from others.
I have visited your blog for the first time and I must say it has awesome se of posts which will lead me to come here again and again.
Thank You For Your Post!!!
Thank you Yash. Do follow up our #100DaysOfGrowth project and if you are interested, you could contribute.
ReplyDeleteAlso, kindly spread the word about the blog. Thanks again.
Hey David, I enjoyed your post. And I have seen many a mission statement in the work place, but never have I thought of one for myself. But I did answer your questions and they are what I have always strived for. Thanks for that.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Help spread the word by sharing the article.
DeleteI think a lot of people need stuff like this.