As I began my career with Horizon Point Consulting, Inc., one of my first goals was creating a personal mission statement. Successful companies create mission statements. Why shouldn’t people who want to be successful do the same?

Even if you are in a career that you truly love, sometimes you can get burned out and lose focus. That’s where the personal mission statement comes in. When you have a mission statement to reflect upon, you can avoid burn out. It is a litmus test for determining priorities and steering direction.

My personal mission statement reads: I will strive daily to present the best version of myself to clients, family, friends and others. I will work to empower others and help them in their journey to lead better lives.

So, where do you begin you might ask. The task of creating a personal mission statement can seem overwhelming. One great resource that was helpful for me is the book First Things First by Stephen Covey. There is a section dedicated to helping you develop your personal mission statement.  Check outPersonal Leadership on Purpose for more insight.

To help get you started, here are a few examples of anonymous mission statements:

I live to serve my talents as communicator, artist, and independent businesswoman. I create balance in work, play and community. I inspire those I interact with.

I want to be the kind of person my dog already thinks I am.

The mission of our family is to create a nurturing place of order, love, happiness, and relaxation, and to provide opportunities for each person to become responsibly independent and effectively interdependent, in order to achieve worthwhile purposes.

Resource: www.franklincovey.com

Zig Ziglar said it best in this quote: “Outstanding people have one thing in common: An absolute sense of mission.”

The end of the year is quickly approaching. Why not develop a personal mission statement as you begin a new year? If you need more direction, check out our Beyond Work™ Workbook.

Blog post written by: Taylor Simmons