How to Plan with Purpose Have a Mission Statement

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My dad celebrated his 90th birthday last month.

And it made me wonder, if I should be blessed to celebrate nine decades . . . what would people say about me? Do I live my beliefs and values? Do I live intentionally?

These question inspired me to work on my personal mission statement . . . a brief description of God’s purpose for my life. I want to keep it short and simple. It’s important that it is easy to remember and apply.

Do you have a personal mission statement?

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

You and I know the Bible says God has plans for His people. If He has plans and purposes for us don’t you want to know what they are and live by them? Don’t you want to plan your day based on your values and what you know is really important?

Or have you fallen into a routine where life just kind of happens.

[Tweet “Writing a personal mission statement should help you plan your day based on your priorities.”]

I believe it will help me know where to best invest my time and when to say “no more.”

Help for Writing Your Personal Mission Statement

Grab pen and paper. Relax. Don’t over think your answers. Just start writing…

1. List the things you’re passionate about; things you love to do. e.g. Teaching, writing, business, parenting, etc.

2. List the qualities and values that best define your character. e.g. I am honest, patient, creative, funny, giving, etc.

3. List areas you’d like to improve. e.g. I would like to eat healthy, exercise, spend more time in prayer and Bible study, advance my career, volunteer, etc.

4. Now go over your lists and combine them into one or two purposeful sentences, at the most paragraphs, that define who you are and who you’d like to become.

Try to make it as short as possible so you can remember it easily and start applying it to your daily plans.

Remember you won’t come up with the perfect mission statement overnight. Take your time. Go over it often and tweak it as necessary.

I used the Franklin Covey – Build a Mission Statement – Live with Purpose

You have a purpose in life. You know in your heart what’s most important to you. In fact, your mission and values are expressed every day, by how you live–you just may not realize it.

The program gave me the beginning. When I finished I had something that looked like this:

I am at my best when I get enough rest, eat well, and exercise, and I will try to prevent times when I don’t..

I will enjoy my work by doing things where I can engage with people, do research, and write..

I will find enjoyment in my personal life by spending time with family and friends, reading and writing..

I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as teaching and encouraging others. .

I can do anything I set my mind to. I will learn more about blogging, social media, and engaging with my audience . . . and apply them. 

My life’s journey is about loving God and loving others and living in ways so others know my love for Jesus. .

I will be a person of whom my family and friends say “she loved big”. .

My most important future contribution to others will be nurturing and encouraging the people in my life, who knows . . . I may even write another book. .

I will stop procrastinating and start working on consistent exercise and healthy eating. 

I will strive to incorporate the following attributes into my life:

• laughter and organization
• determination and caring
• kindness and love

I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life:

• Work out 3-4 times a week – Physical Health
• Spend time every day in prayer and Bible reading – Spiritual Health
• Read at least 1 book every other week – Mental Health 
• Schedule regular down time – Emotional Health

Come back tomorrow when I’ll share how I narrowed this into something easy to remember and apply. Remember there’s a link party tomorrow too! Come join us.

Do you know what’s most important to you? Are you able to plan your day intentionally based on your gifts, abilities, and values?

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