Each person has a unique combination of passions and values, which shape and define who they are, consciously or unconsciously. Once you find a compelling way to clearly articulate your core value and the passions that set this core value in motion, you’ll create a powerful tool that you can use as a decision yardstick, motivation, or standard for living your life. This tool is your mission statement.
A strong mission statement has the following characteristics:
1. Define who you are.
Your mission statement reflects your own personality and should identify uniquely with you. Your mission is not what you do, it is who you are. If any of your peers can say the same statement in the same way as you, then you need to inject more of yourself into them. Stay away from generic (“I help people lead better lives”). Your personality can be projected in the way you deliver your statement, in the words you use, your tone of voice, etc.
2. It is independent of time, space, people, form or situation.
Your mission statement describes the gift you bring to the world. Your mission statement is not a job or role description. The true test of your mission is whether you can accomplish it alone on a deserted island, on a crowded bus, at a party, at work, with your spouse—that is, accomplishing it is independent of place, time, or situation. Think Tom Hanks in the movie “Cast Away.” If you were in their situation, how could you live your mission and feel success?
3. It is short and simple.
You can state your mission statement from memory, without searching for it, even when under stress. A mission statement should be no more than ten words long and simple enough for a child to understand and say.
4. Anchor the central principles of your life.
The Mission Statement approach expresses the central theme of his life in a positive way, one that he would uphold as true at almost any cost. It also describes how people are touched or influenced by your presence.
5. You are action oriented.
Your mission statement is based on action verbs that describe your passions. A successful mission statement inspires you to act.
6. Hearing it makes people go “WOW!”
Your mission statement should make people feel inspired and engaged when you say it. Your listener must also be able to connect what you say to who you are, clearly and immediately. The ultimate success of a mission statement is how well it creates “word of mouth.” The best response is when your listener says “Tell me more!”
7. It’s easy to live, but it’s a lifelong journey that never ends.
Your mission statement doesn’t have to be grand or difficult. Living it every moment of every day, in everything you do, should be easy and simple, yet powerful and impactful. Your mission describes your journey, so it can never be “completed”. If it can be completed, then it’s more of a “vision” or “task”.
8. Projects confidence and gives you energy.
Your mission statement should roll off your tongue easily, without stumbling. You have to be able to project it in such a way that when you say it you feel empowered, clear and successful.