How Writing a Mission Statement May Be Beneficial for Internet Writers

If your mind went tilt when you read the title of this article, you probably don't have writing a mission statement on your list of "things to do." I have written a mission statement for myself, however, and I will tell you why I have written it and what it says.

First, what is a mission statement?

According to wikipedia.org, the word "mission" dates from 1598, originally referring to Jesuits sending members abroad. Therefore, historically it is associated with Christian religious groups.

There are different types and uses of mission statements, all most commonly associated with businesses or nonprofit organizations although some are written for family or personal reasons. As a writer for the internet, I desired a means for focusing my mission or goals for writing articles into a brief statement while including my method for achieving those goals.

My mission statement is in no way intended to be a "boiler plate" model for others; instead, it reflects my own core values and goals and is meant to point me to a pathway for success.

An example of a prior mission statement that I wrote

In 2007 I put my home up for sale and began the process of finding a new place to live. One of the first things I did was write a mission statement. It was a single paragraph that expressed my purpose for moving, the general locality that I desired for my relocation, the style and size of the home I wanted plus desired amenities for the home.

I gave a copy of this statement to my realtor, and displayed a copy on my bulletin board so that it would be readily in view. My realtor put the statement to use in her search, zeroed in on what I had written, found a desirable location and home for me, and four months later I moved in. I couldn't be more satisfied with the purchase that I made.

What do I want my mission statement to include?

It is important to me that what I write reflects my core values. As for my goals, I want my statement to summarize not little itty bitty goals, but a high level of achievement that will stretch my mind and capabilities.

This statement needs to be the compass that I will use for my decision-making in regards to being self-employed as an internet writer.

When I make decisions in the future, I will be able to look at my mission statement and see if my decisions are in line with my stated aspirations.

My mission statement is not carved in stone

I consider what I have written to be a first-draft attempt, subject to future changes that will become clearer to me as my work progresses. It needs to be brief.

Here is what I have written for now

While drawing upon my background in teaching, personnel and finance management, and as a senior, I aspire to write articles that are educational, inspiring and encouraging to readers while at no time compromising my core Christian values. I purpose to work diligently toward continual improvement of choice of subject matter, writing style and method of presentation. I further aspire to mentor others whenever opportunities arise to do so.

Why did I want to write a mission statement?

The answer is that I needed to.

"If I don't know where I'm going, how will I know when I get there?"

For more articles by this writer, click here. The following list of topics may be of special interest:

Your AC Profile: A Powerful Tool for Success
Long-term Goals: Is It a Good Strategy to Write Memoirs, Poetry and Prose?
Writing for the Internet: A Hobby or a Business, and What is Your ROI?
The Power of Focus in My Life
Short-term Goals Provide Small Steps to Success
The AC Forum: Why Didn't I Discover it Sooner?
Associated Content + Effort = Opportunity, My Opinion, Part One
Associated Content + Effort = Opportunity, My Opinion, Part Two
How a Digital Voice Recorder Simplifies My Life
Movie Review: The Mission

Sources:
Personal experience
wikipedia.org, mission statement