“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” Warren Buffett

Living on Purpose!

What’s your purpose in life?  Honestly, on the surface it appears to be a simple question, but in reality it’s not easy to answer.  You can get so caught up in “doing life” that you forget to contemplate the why behind what you are doing.  Organizations typically answering this question do so through the development of a mission statement.  When you take a business class, you learn that an organization’s mission statement should clearly and succinctly define that organization’s purpose.

Go or No-Go?

Whenever an organization contemplates the implementation of a new program or service they should look to their mission statement to see if the proposed effort is in line with their mission.  If the program doesn’t line up with the mission statement then they should dump the proposal, or if they feel the proposal is that important, redefine their mission statement to include the initiative.  Organizational mission statements are intended to keep everyone on track and rowing in the same direction.

Clarity of Mission

As individuals, each of us should also have a clear mission and purpose in life.  In short, you should have a mission statement that helps to keep you focused and on course.  Just like an organization’s mission statement, a personal mission statement should drive the things you do in life.  If something lines up with your personal mission statement then you should certainly continue to do that activity.  However, if something in your life doesn’t line up with your personal mission statement then you should seriously evaluate the value of continuing to keep that activity in your life.  Generally speaking, things that don’t line up with your personal mission statement will tend to bring challenges and stress into your life.

Purpose and Rhythm

My encouragement is to take the time to evaluate the things that are important to you and refine them into a personal mission statement.  Knowing and living your purpose has the potential  of creating rhythm within life.  It also has the added benefit of helping to keep the decision making process simpler.

How to!

The development of a personal mission statement shouldn’t be an overwhelming process.  It also isn’t a process that ever truly ends.  Just like an organization, a mission statement is something that should be viewed as a “living document”.  As your situations change sin life you will need to review and revise your personal mission statement to ensure it remains relevant.  Initially though, you will begin by understanding your personal core values and life purpose.  The refinement of these two aspects of your personal make-up will certainly help you understand the things that make you tick.  They will also help you gain an understanding of the boundaries in your life that are important to ensuring your mental wellbeing.

True Self!

As you move forward in developing your personal mission statement, you need to remember that the final product should be impactful while being memorable.  Just like an organization with a long mission statement that nobody can remember, if your personal mission statement is too long for you to remember then it won’t serve its purpose.  Self-awareness is foundational to being an effective leader.  The personal mission statement is a tool in revealing who you are to yourself.

“Clarity of mission is important for acceleration. If you have a mission, but others don’t understand or your actions contradict it, then it will be less contagious.” Raoul Davis Jr.

#culturechief #leadershipvoid #itsnotaboutyou #chieftucker