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What matters most to you? What things do you want to have? What kind of person do you want to be? What are the things you want to do? What contributions do you want to make in life?
These are pretty straight forward questions, but they require some thought. In this step, take some time to think about what it is that makes you happiest. You will discover what you value and what your roles are; then you will be prepared to write your mission statement.
your personal values
This is where it all starts. What is important to you? What do you value in others? How would you like to be remembered? Make a list! Then, prioritize your values and write a statement clarifying the meaning of each value personally.
Examples of personal values: honesty, humor, patience, integrity, respect, sprituality, or fitness
The Blue Book Integrity First
Values Clarification
Hyrum Smith said, "Your governing values are the foundation of personal fulfilment." THis first activity helps you determine what it is that you value and will allow you to then write a positive, clarifying statement about yourself as it pertains to that value.Think about those things you value most--such as integrity, adventure, or balance.
Governing Values
Benjamin Franklin had a three-step method for planning, and it all began with discovering his values. He first determined what his values were, prioritized his values, and then clarified each. Oftentimes values and priorities are used synonymously because the values are the top priorities in our lives. But by ordering his values in sequence, Benjamin Franklin was able to decide which areas needed the most focus at a particular time. Prioritizing didn't mean that he believed one value was more important than another, it simply gave him structure so that he could focus on the most compelling values first.
In order to determine what your governing values are, you must determine your highest priorities. Is your top priority spending time with your family? Then your governing value would simply be "family." Do you see consistently turning in quality work as a priority? Your value in this case might be "professionalism." If you view being on time to all your appointments as a priority, you obviously value "punctuality." Your valures are your priorities, so determine your priorities and brainstorm what your corresponding governing values are. A list of simple governing values is shown below.
Adventure Courage Love
Authenticity Education Loyalty
Balance Fitness Patience
Beauty Gratitude Respect
Career Humor Spirituality
Compassion Integrity Teamwork
As you identify a value, you also need to clarify it. Your interpretation of a value may be the same as someone else's. To you Integrity might mean "I never tell lies," but to someone else it might connote, "I am honest and trustworthy in my personal and business dealings." By clarifying your values, they become more real to you. When you write your clarifying statements, be sure to use posiive terms such as "I am," "I do," "I will."
Governing Values
Whether you recognize it or not you've got governing values. Everyone does. Your values influence how you make decisions.
Your governing values reflect:
- What is important to you
- How you see the world
- What you believe in
Ask
Imagine that you have an afternoon to spend as you like. Do you go to the park with your family? To lunch with friends? Or maybe just go whereve the day takes you?
These decisions reflect values. Some are easy to define: I enjoy being spontaneous. How you spend your time is often a good indicator of your values.
Make a list of your values:
Integrity
Service
Excellence
Value: Authenticity
Clarifying Statement: I will be the real me.
Value: Integrity
Clarifying Statement: I am responsible for my actions and life. I am honest.I practice justice and openness. I will display personal courage. I will respect myself and be humble.
Value: Service
Clarifying Statement: I follow rules and policies. I respect others and have faith in the system. I will practice discipline and self control.
Value: Excellence
Clarifying Statement: I will work toward personal excellence. I will help to build an excellent community. I will utlize my resources appropriately.
Value: Education
Clarifying Statement: I will be well educated, meet all requirements, and complete all of my courses.
Value: Fitness
Clarifying Statement: I will become physically fit according to Air Force standards. I will learn to utilize the fitness equipment at Ray Meyer Fitness Center. I am participating in PE activity courses at DePaul University. I will design a personal fitness plan.
Value: Spirituality
Clarifying Statement: I am attending mass and participating in the church choir. I will do daily bible reading and attend bible study sessions.
Value: Career
Clarifying Statement: I have assessed my interests and abilities. I am attending Career Center workshops and events.
Value: Patience
Clarifying Statement: I will be patient with myself and others.
Value: Empowerment
Clarifying Statement: I am positive.
Value: Health
Clarifying Statement: I am attending all doctor appointments. I am eating nutritiously. I will exercise daily.
Value: Country
Clarifying Statement: I will help make my country a better place.
Value: Family
Clarifying Statement: I am spending more time with my family.
Value: Friends
Clarifying Statement: I will spend more time with my friends.
Value: Compassion
Clarifying Statement: I will display compassion toward all people.
Tips
- Pick an activity that helps you focus on one thing that you value. Choose a day when you can do that activity, and write it on that day's appointment schedule.
- For one day keep a close record of how you spend your time. Record details on the Daily Record of Events page in your planner. Do you spend most of your time on thigs that are most important to you? Or do you spend most of your time on things that aren't very important to you?
Activity 2: Identifying and Defining Your Roles
Most of us have several areas of focus in our lives. For example, we may be aparent, runner, and a project manager. We would have goals related to our family, goals related to our athletic abilities, and goals related to our career. Roles represent these different areas. A role is a key relationship, an area of responsibility, or a contribution. Examples of common roles include: spouse, manager, writer, coach, family member, or caregiver. Your roles will reflect your important relationships and the key responsibilities and attributes associated with each relationship. By identifying the roles you fill, you can imagine how you want to perform in each role. For instance, if you have the role of spouse, a key attribute may be that you are supportive. You will begin to think about ways you want to behave, things you want to accomplish, etc.
You'll be able to describe each role and write goals specific t each. After you have finished you will be ready to move on to the activities that will help you write your mission statement.
your roles and relationships
Take a few minutes to define some of your key roles. What is your role at home? On campus? Who are you: a partnet, friend, roommate, parent, mentor, learner, advisor...What are some of the responsibilities that go with each role?
Family
- Daughter
- Sister
- Granddaughter
- Niece
- Friend
School
Catholic
Organizational Member
Identifying Your Roles
A role describes an area of responsibility in your life. For example, a common role for many people is "parent." In the role of parent, your responsibilities might be to meet the needs of your children--be with them, takr them to their events, etc. All those duties can now be separated into your "parent" role. To keep things simple, we reccommend that you combine functions to keep your total number of roles to seven or less.
List your roles. Also list key people associated with each role. For example, in your role as parent the key people associated with that role would be your children. Finally, write a clarifying statement that defines your ideal performance in the role. If you have a role such as account manager, your clarifying statement might read, "I consistently acquire new accounts and maintain the ones I have by delivering the best service and results to my clients."
Role 1: American
Key People Related to this Role: Elected Officials, Radio/TV hosts, Newspapers.
Clarifying Statement: I write to my elected officials when I am pleased/displeased with a policy. I call in/write to/email Radio and TV hosts to voice my opinion. I look to different sources in formaing an opinion regarding a topic of policy. I write to/email newspapers and magazines with my opinion.
Role 2: Student
Key People Related to this Role: Scholarship, Advisors, Professors
Clarifying Statement: I update the my scholarship administrator/financial aid counselor when required. I communicate with my advisors regarding registration and trouble completing courses. I communicate with my professors when I can not make it to class, need assistance, or need an incomplete.
Role 3: Resident
Key People Related to this Role: Management
Clarifying Statement: I keep my apartment clean.
Role 4: Catholic
Key People Related to this Role:Priests, Nuns, Choir Director
Clarifying Statement: I attend sunday mass and daily chapel service. I participate in the choir. I attend bible study sessions. I do daily bible readings. I pray or meditate nightly.
Role 5: Family Member
Key People Related to this Role: Mother, brother
Clarifying Statement: I call/spend my time with mom and brother.
Role 6: Job Seeker
Key People Related to this Role: Potential Employers
Clarifying Statement: I must put together a quality resume. I will apply for jobs.
Role 7: Friend
Key People Related to this Role: Friends
Clarifying Statement: I spend time with friends.
Role 8: Organization Member
Key People Related to this Role: Organization leaders and members.
Clarifying Statement: I attend meetings. I participate in activities.
Role 9: Employee
Key People Related to this Role: Supervisor
Clarifying Statement: I get my job done.
Roles
Ask
Who are four people that are important to you?
- Family
- Wayne
- Friends
- Kristen
List the roles you play in your relationship with each person, for instance, sister, manager, friend, wife.
- Friend
- Daughter/Sister
- Student/Mentee
Ask yourself the following question for each person above: What activity can I plan to do with this person that will have a positive impact on our relationship?
- E-mail/Write Letter
- Time
- Quality Time
- Time
Tips
- The Weekly Compass card is designed so that you can track your roles and goals on a weekly basis. Transfer one of the activities listed above to your compas card and schedule and schedule it now.
- Don't get overwhelmed by working on all your roles at once. Focus on one substantial goal in one of your roles each week.
Activities 3-6: Starting Point Questions; Have, Do, Be; Tribute Statements; Evaluation Questions.
These activities prepare you to write yoour mission statement. What are the things you value in your life? Relationships? Your career? Free time? This is the time to brainstorm. Just as you did in your Values Clarification Activity, write it all down. We've included four brainstorming activities (in the Values.Mission Section): Starting Point Questions; Have, Do, Be; Tribute Statements; and Evaluation Questions. Each activity helps you further clarify what it is you truly value and want to include in your life plans. After you have finished Activities 1-6, you will be prepared to write your mission statement.
Activity 3: Starting Point Questions
The following questions will help you think about your life's purpose. As you answer these questions you will begin to uncover ideas you can use when you write your mission statement.
- If you were to do one thing in your professional life that would have the most positive impact, what would that one thing be?
One thing that I would like to do in my professional life that would have the most posiotive impact is to educate young citizens about the constitution.
- If you were to do one thing in your personal life that would have the most positive impact, what would that one thing be?
I would like to perform community service in my personal life because it would allow me to share my enthusiasm for my country with other people.
Activity 4: Have, Be, Do
All the things I would like to have during my lifetime (e.g. a new home, computer, $100, 000 in retirement account, etc.):
During my lifetime I would like to own a computer, new home, Lexus and have a family.
All the things I would like to do (e.g., travel to every continent, get a second degree, run for public office, work at a homeless shelter, etc.):
I would like to earn a Masters degree, travel, run for public office, and community service.
The kind of person I want to be (e.g., compassionate, hard-working, humerous, responsible, etc.):
I would like to be a person who is compassionate, responsible, hard-working, and well educated.
Activity 5: Tribute Statement
Complete this activity to help you think about the kind of person you would like to be. You've lived a fulfilling, rewarding life, and now it is your eightieth birthday. many of the people you love are there to celebrate with you and to pay tribute. There are people from your personal and professional life, and friends and neighbors form the community. What would you like them to say? In other words, What do you want to be remembered for? Write the tribute you would like to recive from each person on the lines next to the appropriate box.
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Mom
from my personal life |
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Dad
from my personal life |
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Wayne
from my professional life |
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from my professional life |
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Patricia
from my community life |
Activity 6: Evaluation Questions
Your answers to these questions should provide excellent input for your mission statement.
- What have been some of your moments of greatest happiness and fulfillment?
- Being of service to my country
- What activities do I most enjoy and find most fulfilling in my professional life?
- advocating
- teaching
- politics
- What are the activities of most worth in my personal life?
- community service
- church
- learning
- What talents and/or capacities do I have or want to have?
- How can I best contribute to the world?
- being a teacher/guidance counselor
- being a lawyer
Activity 7: Mission Statement
Now that you've thought through what things are most important to you and what you want to spend your time on, you're ready to write your mission statement. Your mission statement is a proclamation of who you are and what you're about. It should express the contribution you want to make during your lifetime, the things you would like to do, and the kind of person you want to be. Your personal mission statement is an affirmation of what matters most to you.
For example, if you were thomas edison, an execerot for your mission statement might read, "...to invent products that will transform and brighten the world." You will find examples of actual mission statements at the front of Activity 7. Refer to the previous activities and review your values and roles. Then complete Activity 7: Mission Statement in Values/Mission Section. Once you are finished you are ready to move to Step 2: Planning What Matters Most.
your mission
Your mission is your unique purpose. It's what gives your life direction. Writing your own mission statement will take some deep reflection on who you are and what you would like to accomplish. Completing the phrases below will help you get started.
Some of the most important things in my life are:
- My Air Force
- My family and friends
- My Education
- My Career
My greatest moments of happiness and fulfillment are:
- Being awarded the AFROTC Recruiting Ribbon
- Earning a Certificate of Appreciation from Air Force Recruiting Service
- Being inducted into Arnold Air Society
- Being Admitted to DePaul University
Three of my dreams are:
- To teach Civics in a high school.
- To help people navigate through government channels
- To teach in an undergraduate program
I would like the following kind of career:
I want to be a teacher.
I need to develop the following skills:
- Counsel
- Decision-Making
- Implement
- Problem Solving
- Train/Instruct
- Plan
- Organize
- Mediate
My Interests Include:
- Teaching
- Researching Education and Military issues
- Developing Curricula
- Designing Policy
I am motivated by and passionate about:
- The Constitution
- The Air Force
- Education
My natural gifts, talents, an abilities include:
- Research
- Analyzing legal precedents
- Memorization of legal information
- Computers
I need the following education:
- Bachelor of Arts (Political Sience)
- Masters (Political Science)
- Teaching Ceritificate/License
In five years I will be:
- Earning my Masters degree in Political Science.
- Earning my teaching cetification.
Activity 7: Mission Statement
What would your life story be about? What have you devoted your time and talents to? A mission statement becomes a personal standard for you, a self-created road map of how you will choose to live amid the unpredictable circumstances and emotions that affect your life.
Following are excerpts from others people's mission statements. Read through them to generate ideas for writing your own mission statement.
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I want to use my healing talents to keep hope alive and express my vision courageously in word and action.
In my family, I want to build healthy, loving relationships in which we let each other become his/her best self.
At work, I want to establish a fault-free, self-perpetuating learning environment.
In the world, I want to nurture the development of all life forms, in hrmony with the laws of nature. |
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To act in a manner that brings out the best in me and those important to me--especially when it might be most justifiable to act otherwise. |
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I will live each day with courage and belief in myself and others.
I will live by the values of integrity, freedom of choice, and love of all people.
I will strive to keep commitments not only to others but to myself as well.
I will remember that to truly live, I must climb the mountain today, for tommorrow may be to late. I know that my mountain may seem no more than a hill to others and I will accept that.
I will be renewed by my own personal victories and triumphs.
I will continue to make my own choices and to live with them.
I will not make excuses or blame others.
I will, for as long as possible, keep my mind and body healthy and strong.
I will help others the best I can and I will thank those who help me along the way. |
Mission Statement
A mission statement describes your unique purpose in life. It captures what qualities you want to develop, what you want to accomplish, what contributions you want to make.
A personal mission statement becomes a guide for your life, inspiring you to make the decisions that will best help you reach your goals and fulfill your vision.
If you've already created a mission statement, schedule some time to review and update it. If you haven't, these questions can help you get started.
Ask
Who has influenced your life for good? How?
What are some of your talents?
What has been one defining moment in your life?
What contributions do you want to make during your lifetime?
How would you like people to describe you?
Write ideas for your mission statement. Describe how you want to live and who you want to be. Don't worry if it's not perfect, this is just your first draft.
Dr. Wayne Steger
Computers, Writing, Communication
Starting at DePaul University
Shape and Mold Young Citizens
Caring, Well-Educated, Intelligent
Tips
- It akes several months, possibly years, to create a personal mission statement. Plan three days during the upcoming months when you can spend 30 minutes working on your mission statement.
Personal Mission Statement
To find happiness, fulfillment, and value in living I will:
- LEAD a life centered around the principles of integrity, service, excellence, and encouragement.
- REMEMBER what's important in life is relationships, family, friends, learning, and personal growth.
- REVERE admirable characteristics in others, such as being caring, committed, trustworthy, patient, educated, and truthful, and attempt to implement similar characteristics in my own life.
- RECOGNIZE my strengths and develop talents as a person who is articulate, energetic, intelligent, optimistic, spiritual, and a teacher.
- HUMBLE myself by acknowledging that I can be insecure, procrastinator, and disorganized and by constantly striving to transform my weaknesses into strengths.
- ENVISION myself becoming a person who:
- Kristen thinks is fun, caring, and forgiving.
- Dr. Wayne Steger thinks is ambitious, respectful, and patient.
- Dad thinks is loyal, moral, and selfless.
Your mission statement is constantly evoloving. Revisit it regularly.
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