Lesson 6: Taking a look at yourself professionally
Purpose and vision
So, now you know what you're good at. What's next? Applying those skills to a purpose and vision. Without directing all that talent and energy it just becomes a dust collecting document on the table or desk.
You will probably be familiar with mission and purpose statements as they apply to business, but have you ever considered your personal mission and purpose?
Author Mary Ortwein defines a mission statement as "...a short, inclusive statement of purpose. It rests on a foundation of identity and values and sets the tone for how the purpose is implemented." ("Creating a Personal Mission Statement", Liguorian Magazine, January, 2001)
Life purpose then becomes a matter of understanding who I am, what I'm doing, and where I'm going.
Ortwein continues in her article, (a personal mission statement) "...enables us to prioritize the many demands made on us and our time. It helps us to balance an appreciation of our personal gifts and talents with the needs of the world around us. Mission helps us to stay focused so that we base decisions on principles and on the 'long view.' It enables us to recover more quickly when setbacks and unexpected problems occur." She further claims that having a working personal mission statement is "the single most important ingredient in the ability to maintain psychological health when bad things happen."
I want to encourage you to craft your own mission statement, now. The point here is to keep it personal, practical, and relevant. Your purpose then will cover who you are, what you want and where you're going. Have fun. This is the roadmap for your life!
If you are finding it difficult to begin, let me provide some thought starters.
You may want to explore what your top needs are in your working life. We do not, of course, determine our life's mission by what we do, but for some people there is either a direct or indirect link to their personal mission.
Next, record some of the words that best express your passions. This can be words that remind you of past experiences, childhood hobbies, or things that ignite your internal fire. Where do you experience these passion words? Are you at work, at home, with others, playing with children or animals, sitting alone? Examine not only the words but the environments which support them.
When looking to develop supportive environments, consider all the environmental influences you have. You will want to craft environments that pull you forward, inspiring you, and helping you to achieve your goals. This may include your office, your bedroom, your relationships, your values and energy flow, your network, and your relationship to nature.
I would also encourage you to explore what you most desire from your life for yourself and for others. What is truly important to you and how do you want to use your time to honor those things most important to you.
And finally, what is the legacy that you most want to leave behind? No one can answer that but you. When your time in this life has been spent, how do you want to be remembered?
When you have had an opportunity to consider these questions, try to simmer all your thoughts for a few days, then craft a one statement mission statement that focuses your time and energy for the future.
