About 15 years ago, someone gave me an idea. It was one of the best ideas ever. It has changed my life for the better. It has sharpened my focus. It has boosted my productivity and efficiency. In reality, possibly the best idea ever!
Dennis’ hobby is nature photography. This is a photo of his from Many Lake in Glacier National Park, MT. www.GingerichPhotoArt.com
That idea was this. Like a company or an organization, individuals should have a mission statement. I wrote my first mission statement that year. It was: “To be an authentic connection between God and people through exercising my leadership gifts and unique personality.” Several years ago, my friend Lloyd Reeb coached me to refine that mission statement. And I did. Now, my mission statement is more concise: “Inspiring TransforMissional Living in Others.” And, every word of this short statement is critically important. I wrote my first blog about that.
Recently, Dr. Peter Borghese was a guest speaker at a business leader luncheon in our city. He asked for a show of hands as to how many in the audience had a personal mission statement. Among the hundred or so in attendance, myself and a couple more participants raised our hands. It made me realize again, even though many business leaders have a mission statement for their companies, few have created one for themselves.
Dr. Peter Borghese
Dr. Borghese shared an excellent four-step method to developing a personal mission statement. He graciously gave me permission to use his I.D.E.A. Here it is:
I dentify your personal values, your strengths and virtues. When you have clearly recognized the things that are core to you, then you have a better sense of what you makes you uniquely you. The better you know you, the easier it will be to craft your personal mission statement.
D efine your passions. It’s important to be tightly tuned in to what makes your heart sing. The more you understand the activities that energize you and the things that drain you, the more likely you will be able to sharply define your mission.
E stablish your priorities. What is at the very top of your priority list? If you check your calendar and your debit/credit card statement, you’ll get a pretty good idea. You might think there are other things at the top of your priority list, but in reality, what you spend your time and money on are most important to you. The sooner your actual priorities align with your idealist primacies, the fewer regrets you’ll have when you get to the end of your life.
A ffirm your goals. What do you want out of life? What do you plan to accomplish in life? What do you want to be remembered for? If you complete your day to day and year to year goals, will your achievements be what you want to be remembered for? If not, what needs to change? Make sure your goals reflect the mission you want to be on over the next season of your life.
The scripture reminds us: “We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us…so we can do the things He planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT). God has a plan for me and you. Do you have any idea what His plan is for you? He would love for you to get to know Him so He can help you understand His greatest desires for you…including your mission.
Need further help developing your mission statement? Check out a few of my previous blogs — Starting Your Mission Statement, Your Mission, Develop Your Mission Statement, What Do You Want Them to Say? or go to the Halftime website for lots of great resources.
QUESTION: Do you have a mission statement? I’d love to hear it. Share it in the comment section below. Thanks!
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