This post is courtesy of greyzone Guest Blogger, Brie Doyle.
What is your purpose in life? Say it out loud right now. Does it come to mind easily, or do you have to pause and think? Sometimes it’s tied to the work we do. Often times, it’s not. Creating a personal mission statement allows us to find real clarity around how we share our gifts with the world.
When first met with the idea of coming up with a personal mission statement, it took me a while to hone in on what mine was. I knew what I cared about, what the work I do meant to me, and how I wanted to contribute to our world. But could I verbalize it? With concrete, crystal-like clarity? Not exactly.
Creating a personal mission statement was a game changer for me. I’ve never hit a goal I didn’t make, delivered on a dream I didn’t specify, or followed through on an action I didn’t at first plan, and then get to work on.
If we struggle to clearly communicate the purpose of our lives both to ourselves and others, than how can we expect to live in full alignment of our sense of purpose? How can we be sure the decisions we make on a daily basis reflect what we’re after?
Living our lives with purpose and clear mission, and being able to communicate it with confidence, allows us to feel a real sense of power and connectedness to why we are here.
On my Women’s Self-Discovery Retreats I have attendees experiment with personal mission statements. Companies have them, government organizations, even families have them. What about individuals? Try this out and see what you think:
The purpose of my life is to BE: _________________________________, to EXPERIENCE: ____________________________________________________ and to DO: ___________________________________________________________ for myself and others.
Here’s mine: The purpose of my life is to BE a light to others, to EXPERIENCE the wisdom of each moment, and to DO creative and emotional work for myself and others.
It’s broad, but it represents me, entirely. Avoid saying something like: the purpose of my life is to “be a mother” or “be a lawyer” or “a real estate agent.” This is too specific and limiting. We are bigger than our roles.
What is the essence of what you’re trying to say? What is the feeling you want to create? You’ll know you’ve got it right when it FEELS incredible, when it feels like you. Here are a few tips:
- Use active statements “be, do…”
- Keep your concepts broad
- Stay in the positive
- Include yourself and others
- Be able to be experienced each day
- Be brief!!!
- Eliminate universals: always, never
- Use emotionally triggering words
- Make you feel powerful, alive and happy!
I use this statement both when I am considering big decisions, and when I need to right myself if I’m sinking into petty thoughts. Something about having this statement in place holds me to the highest version of myself. And there is no better place to live from than this.
This statement, if embodied regularly, permeates all areas of our lives: career, family, social circles and more. If we want to experience real personal power, knowing what we’re after is a must. Try creating your own statement and see how you can live with clarity from the very best version of yourself.
Interested in digging deeper into personal mission statements? Then….
March 16-23, 2019
Bio: Brie Doyle is the founder of She Glows Retreats, LLC. She helps busy women who are interested in personal growth move from living life on autopilot, to living with confidence clarity and intention. She hosts women’s retreats locally and internationally. Brie is a writer, mother and wife who loves living in her hometown of Boulder, CO.
