Personal Mission Statements may seem a little strange. We know of church mission statements and company mission statements, but we don’t typically think of them for an individual.
However, personal mission statements are an opportunity to remind ourselves how we want our lives to be lived. I have found it helpful to write out a statement for my own life so that I can strive toward the person that God is calling me to be. We make better decisions when we are able to attach it to the desired outcome of our lives.
As Christians, we have several missions that God calls us to—to make disciples, to imitate him, to be Christ’s hands and feet and the list goes on and on. Here are some other examples from scripture:
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24
“For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.” Matthew 6:25
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Phil 4:13
So how do we determine our personal mission statement? I have adapted something I ran across a few years back (credit to Personal Success Insights). Use this worksheet to work toward an ending personal mission statement of about 50 words or less.
Step One – Define what you want to be and do.
What I’d like to do: ______________________________________________________________________________
What I’d like to be:
___________________________________________________________________________
Step Two: Identify an Influential Person.
Think about how this individual has contributed to your life. This person may be a parent, work associate, mentor, pastor, friend, family member, or neighbor. Answer the following questions, keeping in mind the person and your personal goals on what you want to be and do.
Step Three – Define your Life in Roles.
You live your life in terms of roles: father, son, daughter, mother, friend, neighbor, boss, pastor, musician, cousin, CEO, lifeguard, baby sitter, student, athlete, etc. Define up to seven life roles and then write these roles in the places provided. Write a brief statement of how you would most like to be described in that particular role. You will gain perspective and balance by identifying your life roles. (Example: Role #1 Husband. I would like to be described as… fill in the blanks with a few words, descriptions).
Roles & Statements
- _________________________________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________________________________
- _________________________________________________________________________
Step Four – Write a Draft of your Personal Mission Statement.
Now that you have identified your life roles, and have defined what you want to be and do, you are prepared to begin working on your personal mission statement. In the space provided below, create a rough draft of your mission statement based on your notes from the three steps above. Carry this draft with you and make notes, additions, and deletions before you attempt another draft.
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The final test of the value and effectiveness of your personal mission statement is to ask: “Does this statement inspire me?” Refine as needed, put it in your phone notes, post it on your wall, and read it when you can. Pray that God would use this focus to help you grow in his steps—with his character.
Every morning, my to-do list pops up with an item “read mission statement” and most days I do. It helps me think about the importance of today. Before you read mine, be sure to work yours out, but in case you want an idea of how this process works you can read mine with the link below.
I hope it will help you!