The Compass | February 2024 | Discover Your North Star: Crafting Your Personal Mission Statement

Dear Friends,

This month, we dive into the art of crafting a personal mission statement—a declaration of your core values, strengths, desired impact, and goals. It's a reflective journey that demands introspection but promises profound clarity and direction.

In a world buzzing with distractions, finding our true north can be transformative. A personal mission statement is our compass, guiding us through life's challenges and opportunities with clarity and purpose. Our personal mission statement ensures we “stay on azimuth” as we navigate through life, infusing our everyday work with greater meaning.

Searching for Meaning

One of my favorite books is Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor. In that book, he emphasized that finding meaning in life is essential for human flourishing. He argued that individuals could discover life's purpose through work, experiencing something or encountering someone, and in the attitude taken toward unavoidable suffering. He believed that even in the most difficult circumstances (and he would know), people could find reasons to live, suggesting that our primary drive in life is not pleasure (as Freud suggested) or power (as Adler suggested), but the pursuit of what we find meaningful.

A Life of Meaning

Having just concluded Black History Month, and now commencing Women’s History Month, it’s appropriate to reflect on how that drive for meaning manifested in the life of Harriet Tubman. She exemplified a personal mission through her unwavering commitment to freedom and justice. Despite the immense personal risk, she dedicated her life to leading enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Tubman's deep sense of purpose, guided by her values and beliefs in equality and liberty, drove her actions. Her life's work went beyond escape efforts; she also served as a spy, nurse, and advocate for women's suffrage, embodying a mission that extended to improving the lives of others and fighting for societal change.

Crafting a Personal Mission Statement

I am passionate about this topic because it's personal to me. I spent too many years mindlessly chasing what "the world" glorified. I was addicted to standing out in professional life and moving "upward." It wasn't until cancer grabbed my attention, and chemotherapy created space for deep reflection, that I started thinking more intentionally about "leading a legacy." The blessings of cancer and chemotherapy moved me to realize that a happy and fulfilling life would consist of loving God and those around me through concrete acts of service.

I believe we are pilgrims passing through this world. We likely won’t face the immense hardships that Frankl and Tubman faced. We may not have the same far-reaching impact that is recognized by millions. But we were born at this particular time, in this particular place, and experienced particular joys and sufferings, that shaped us for a unique and particular purpose. And that purpose is found where our greatest values and strengths meet our corner of the world’s greatest needs. So let’s start thinking more intentionally about our core values, our signature strengths, and our desired impact. And then let’s weave them into a personal mission statement that ensures we live a life of consequence. Here are steps to do that:

Step 1: Reflect on Your Core Values

Identifying your core values is a pivotal step in crafting a personal mission statement. It involves delving into the beliefs and principles that you hold dear and that influence your decisions and actions. This process helps in pinpointing the values that are non-negotiable in your life, such as honesty, integrity, compassion, or innovation. Recognizing these values is crucial because they serve as the bedrock of your personal and professional life, guiding your behavior and interactions with others.

Once you've identified 3 to 5 core values that resonate deeply with you, it becomes easier to make decisions that align with your true self. Your values act as a compass, steering you towards choices that reflect your beliefs and away from those that conflict with them. This clarity is invaluable, as it ensures that your personal mission statement is not just a set of words but a living, breathing guide that reflects your most authentic self and shapes your everyday actions and long-term goals.

Questions for self-reflection:

• When have I felt most fulfilled or satisfied? Reflecting on moments of deep satisfaction can reveal what you truly value.
• What qualities do I admire in others? The traits you admire in others often reflect the values you aspire to embody.
• What are the non-negotiables in my life? Identifying what you cannot compromise on helps pinpoint your core values.

Step 2: Identify Your Strengths and Passions

Understanding your strengths and passions involves recognizing what you excel at and what brings you joy. This self-knowledge is essential because it allows you to harness your natural talents and interests in service of your mission. Reflecting on the activities that make you lose track of time or the accomplishments that have filled you with pride can reveal your strengths and passions. These are the areas where you are likely to make the most significant impact and find the greatest satisfaction.

Incorporating your strengths and passions into your personal mission statement gives it power and direction. It ensures that your mission is not only aspirational but also achievable, grounded in what you do best and what you love. This alignment between your mission and your strengths leads to greater fulfillment and effectiveness, as you are more likely to pursue and achieve goals that resonate deeply with you.

Questions for self-reflection:

• What activities make me lose track of time? Identifying when you become so engaged that you forget about time can reveal your passions and strengths.
• What tasks do others come to me for help with? Recognizing the tasks that others associate with your expertise can help identify your strengths.
• What would I do even if I wasn’t paid for it? This question helps uncover true passions and the activities you find intrinsically rewarding.

Step 3: Define Your Desired Impact

Defining the desired impact of your personal mission statement encourages you to think about the legacy you wish to leave and the difference you aim to make in the world. This vision of your impact guides the formulation of your mission, helping to ensure that it reflects not only your values and strengths but also your ambitions to contribute positively to your community or society at large. It’s about asking yourself how you want to be remembered and the marks you want to leave on the lives of others.

This step is about broadening your perspective, moving beyond personal success to consider how you can serve and uplift others. Whether your desired impact is on a small scale within your immediate community or on a larger, perhaps even global scale, understanding this aspect of your mission adds depth and purpose to your goals. It shifts the focus from what you want to achieve for yourself to how you can contribute to the well-being and success of others, making your personal mission statement a powerful tool for change.

Questions for self-reflection:

• What change do I want to see in my community or the world? This question helps focus on the broader impact you aim to have beyond personal success.
• How can I use my strengths to contribute to this change? Reflecting on this encourages the practical application of your abilities towards your desired impact.
• What legacy do I want to leave behind? Considering the long-term effects of your actions helps clarify the enduring impact you wish to make.

Step 4: Setting Personal and Professional Goals

Setting personal and professional goals that align with your personal mission statement is about turning your vision into actionable steps. These goals serve as milestones on your journey, concrete objectives that you can work towards. By ensuring that these goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), you create a roadmap that not only guides your daily actions but also keeps you on track towards fulfilling your mission. This alignment between your goals and your mission ensures coherence and continuity in your efforts, making your aspirations more attainable.

Moreover, these goals provide a framework for evaluating progress and recalibrating your actions as needed. They allow you to reflect on your achievements and challenges, learning from them and making adjustments to stay aligned with your mission. Setting and revisiting your goals ensures that your personal mission statement remains a dynamic guide, evolving with you as you grow and as your aspirations and circumstances change. This process of goal setting and adjustment ensures that your mission statement remains relevant and motivating, driving you towards a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Questions for self-reflection:

• What specific outcomes do I want to achieve in the next year? Setting a time frame helps focus your goals.
• What skills or knowledge do I need to achieve these goals, and how can I acquire them? Identifying gaps in your skills or knowledge is crucial for setting actionable steps towards your goals.
• How do my goals contribute to my overall well-being and fulfillment? This question ensures that your goals are not only career-oriented but also enhance your personal growth and happiness.
• What barriers might I face in achieving these goals, and how can I overcome them?Anticipating challenges helps you prepare strategies to navigate obstacles effectively.
• How will I measure my progress towards these goals? Establishing clear metrics or milestones for tracking progress keeps you motivated and on track.

Step 5: Draft Your Mission Statement

Drafting your mission statement is a crucial step that distills your reflections, values, and aspirations into a clear and concise declaration. Start by revisiting the insights gained from identifying your core values, understanding your strengths and passions, and defining your desired impact.

Aim to synthesize these elements into one to three powerful sentences that capture the essence of who you are and what you stand for. This statement should articulate the impact you wish to have in a way that resonates deeply with you and guides your future actions. Keep refining your words until they feel authentic and inspiring, ensuring your mission statement serves as a compelling compass for your life's journey. Remember, this statement is uniquely yours; it should reflect your personal vision and serve as a constant reminder of your path towards fulfilling your purpose.

Here are some sample mission statements (including what I imagine would be Tubman’s and Frankl’s):

“To lead with integrity, inspire innovation within my team, and drive sustainable growth for the organization. I am committed to fostering an inclusive and dynamic workplace where every member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. Through collaborative leadership, I aim to achieve excellence in our projects, nurture professional development, and contribute positively to our community and sector.”

"To fight tirelessly for freedom and justice, leading those enslaved to liberty and advocating for equality and human rights for all. My mission is rooted in compassion, bravery, and an unwavering belief in the right of every person to live free from oppression."

"To empower individuals to find meaning in their lives, even in the face of the greatest adversities, by embracing responsibility, understanding their freedom to choose their attitude in any given set of circumstances, and pursuing a purposeful life."

As we close this edition of our newsletter, let's remember that the journey to crafting a personal mission statement is both profound and rewarding. I still struggle with an addiction to achievement and often veer off the path. But my personal mission statement helps me rectify my intention, course correct, and return to my particular route of selfless service that will lead to a fulfilling life.

Crafting a personal mission statement is a path that leads to deeper self-understanding, aligns our actions with our core values, and empowers us to make a meaningful impact. May the insights shared here inspire you to reflect, define, and live your mission with purpose and passion. Here's to embracing the journey ahead, equipped with the clarity and conviction that a personal mission statement provides.

Warmly,

Kumar

Additional Resources

You can access additional leadership tips and resources from me here:

https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/kumar-kibble/

Please share this newsletter with those in your circles who could benefit, and let's continue to build a community of continual learning.