How to Write a Mission Statement

Many people think writing sample mission statements will be seen as selfish or uppity. A mission statement is great way to analyze your life and clarify your goals, and will give you the life map you always needed.

• Sit comfortably and set a 5 minute timer. Write all your goals and dreams, no matter how far out they seem. Write nonstop, no rewriting or editing allowed. You will be amazed how your ideas will flow, and you will fill a couple of pages or more.
• Now, go over what you wrote, crossing out any duplicate ideas. Divide into short and long term goals. Reach out beyond the year ahead, such as the next decade or after retirement.
• Divide further into personal goals and those involving your loved ones or others. Make sure these are your goals and not someone else's wishes, because if they are they won't happen. This is your life plan being laid out, so let those long dormant dreams shine.
  
• Now it's time to flesh out what is attainable. What is doable in the next week, month, year, and beyond? Look closely to see what excites you, what's been haunting you, maybe for many years.
• Depending on your age, some old goals have been outgrown and are now irrelevant
• You can be completely honest, nobody is looking over your shoulder.
  
• What seems easy is actually a difficult assessment of your life up to now, and may bring up unwanted memories and emotions. This must be faced before real change can happen.