It’s hard to achieve anything unless you have a personal mission statement. Here’s a personal story:
I knew for several years that I wanted to get my MBA, but when I applied the first four times, I was rejected. Each time, I thought my application was pretty good. I had my transcript, I wrote a decent essay, references, work experience.
Yet, something was missing. I knew it deep down. I also knew it when I experienced multiple rejections from the program.
Deep down, I knew that pursuing an MBA aligned with my goals, but I had failed to express it.
So, I changed the direction of my application, and my life, by taking a step back and developing my personal mission statement. It didn’t just transform my application, it also enhanced my life and gave me a clear sense of purpose. So, after four rejections, I stopped applying to the program for a few cycles and spent several months developing my mission statement to gain clarity.
After that was done, I reapplied, but I just all of my answers to coincide with my mission. I was accepted the fifth time I applies, and I knew it before my admissions interview even began. My mission statement and clarity of purpose connected with interviewer before we even had a conversation.
Since then, my mission statement has been essential to my personal and professional growth. Now, I want to help you write yours. Here’s what you need to know:
What Is a Personal Mission Statement?
A personal mission statement is a concise declaration of your values, purpose, and the impact you want to make in the world. It helps you stay focused, make decisions, and align your actions with your deeper goals.
Think of it as your North Star. It is a simple and concise statement that you can reflect on periodically to guide you to where you need to go.
Steps to Creating Your Personal Mission Statement
Developing a strong mission statement doesn’t happen overnight. It takes reflection, exploration, and refinement. Here’s how to get started:
What matters to you?
Ask yourself:
- What am I passionate about?
- What do I want to contribute to the world?
- What kind of legacy do I want to leave?
- Writing down your answers will help you identify themes that matter most to you.
Learn from Others
Accelerate your understanding by learning from those who have already mastered the process. Here are three resources that can help:
Read This Book. The Path: Creating Your Mission Statement for Work and for Life by Laurie Beth Jones offers an excellent overview of what a mission statement is and how to develop one that aligns with your true self.
Listen to This Podcast. The Peace and Productivity Podcast by Sarah Dalton dives into the intersection of personal mission and productivity, helping you create a mission statement that supports both balance and success.
Watch This YouTube Video. How to Write a Personal Mission Statement by Achiever’s Workshop is a simple and effective crash course that breaks down the process into actionable steps.
Write Your First Draft
Using what you’ve learned, craft a simple statement that defines your mission. It doesn’t have to be perfect—this is a work in progress. Try following this template:
“My mission is to [do what] for [who] so that [desired impact].”
For example:
“My mission is to help people unlock their potential by teaching them personal growth strategies so that they can live with confidence and purpose.”
Refine and Use It
Once you’ve written a draft, test it out. Read it daily. See how it feels. If it doesn’t inspire or guide you, tweak it. A strong mission statement should resonate deeply and help you make decisions with clarity.
You don’t need to share it with anyone, but you should use it all the time to make sure your actions are aligned with your values, dreams, and goals.