By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
A mission statement is an individual’s detailed explanation of their value or purpose in life. Every person on the planet has a mission or a calling, a reason for their existence. This means we all need to craft a written statement that motivates us on our God-given journey.
The statement is short: a phrase, one sentence, or a paragraph is sufficient. The key is conciseness, purpose, or the value provided to others by indicating what, how, and why we open our eyes each morning to embrace a fresh day. The statement keeps us moving ahead and on track, ushering in good mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional health.
It can sometimes be hard, at least for me, to keep track of the nuances of a mission statement vs. vision vs. goals vs. values. What I believe is our statement is not a vision or goal. It’s present. A vision statement is where we’d like to see ourselves in the future. The goal is a good thing, but not the definition of a mission statement.
Examine your mission statement regularly to see if updates or changes are needed. We often travel a road for a season. With a turn in our path, new opportunities pave the way for a new written accounting of where we’re going, why, and how. I caution you not to make your mission statement unrealistic. Is our purpose attainable? Impossible?
Guidelines to create a mission statement.
- Pray and study Scripture to see where God is leading you.
- List what you feel is your purpose or calling.
- List your hobbies and special interests. Are they part of your mission?
- Do the items in #2 and #3 line up with God’s purpose for you?
- Brainstorm with a trusted individual(s) who sees and knows your heart.
Sometimes our purpose doesn’t line up with our education. Be prepared for changes that include new skills. We’re never too old to learn. Ask Abraham, Sarah, and Moses about their late life calling. A change in career or a drastic move can enhance or invite a new adventure.
For those who are professionals, a mission statement helps others understand you from a unique perspective and should equate to personal values.
For example, my mission statement changed at age forty-two when I felt a distinct calling to write. With that in mind, my tagline is woven with my purpose: Expect An Adventure while pursuing quality writing filled with truth, inspiration, and encouragement.
Do you have a mission statement? Is now the time to develop or update yours?
I have a fun surprise to share with you…
I’ve teamed up with 40+ fantastic authors to give away a huge collection of Inspirational Romances to 2 lucky winners!
Oh, and did I mention the Grand Prize winner gets a BRAND NEW eReader? 😁
You can win my novel CONCRETE EVIDENCE, plus books from authors like AMANDA DYKES, TRACIE PETERSON, and CARRIE TURANSKY.
Enter the giveaway by clicking here 👉 https://www.booksweeps.com/giveaway/may23-win-a-bundle-of-inspiratonal-romance/
Good luck and enjoy!
Comments 12
May I share a link to a recent post I did on mission statements?
Yes, of course.
Excellent~ This seems so logical and straightforward, but I need to re-evaluate mine and do some vision statement updates. Thanks for great content, thought-provoking ideas, and encouraging words.
You are so very welcome. I find as we change seasons in our lives that our mission statement changes too.
Thank you, DiAnn, for these specific guidelines. I often confuse a mission statement with vision and goals. Your steps helped identify the difference.
Thanks, Barbara. So glad to help!
Hi DiAnn, There is a women’s group that meets on Sunday morning at my church. The age of this class is 20’s to a 85 year old. A few weeks ago their lesson was on “your purpose” and the women were sharing their purpose & thoughts. The 85 yr old stood up and said she didn’t think she had a purpose anymore. Immediately one on the 20 yr olds stood and told her all the things she does to teach especially the younger how to be a godly woman, wife & mothers.
I felt that I needed to share this with this group. We all have a mission/purpose but sometimes we don’t realize it! Hugs!
Gloria, we never end with our purpose until God takes us home, and then we have a new purpose. I love what the 20 year old said. Thanks!
Great blog post, DiAnn. When I was first published twelve years ago, I developed a Mission Statement so readers would know why I write. I don’t know how many of them even notice it on my Amazon wall, website, or other media, but it keeps me on the right path.
“My goal is to write stories that entertain, but more importantly, educate readers about Jesus Christ and His love for them.”
God bless you, and keep writing!
Thanks, Ruth, your mission statement is inspiring. Like you, mine keeps me grounds.
DiAnn, I use my personal mission statement to help me decide what to say yes to and to guide my writing and teaching.
Debbie, I like how you use your mission statement to decide how to respond to requests. Yes!!