PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT

 

We all have some values and principles for ourselves. These both are shaping our character and identity. If your value is “not to talk behind someone’s back”, then this value will be reflected in your actions. Then there are some values and principles that we really want to imply in our life but we have some excuses to not imply which in some way are lowering our self-esteem.

WHAT IS A PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT (PMS)?

In the book, “The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey, one habit is to BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND which means to act according to your destination, to understand where we want to end and then take every action accordingly. For this, the author suggested to make a mission statement of your own.

PMS is a written constitution which focuses on your goals, ideals, values and principles. Just like the Indian Constitution focuses on the rules and regulations which every citizen is supposed to follow, similarly the PMS is a written constitution for you, made by you which you are supposed to follow. 

Here is an example of a mission statement:

Listen only, don’t suggest until asked.

Defend those who are not present.

Get up at 6 am.

Do not blame anyone else for your situations.

Maintain a weekly timetable every Sunday.

Write 3 things for which you are grateful [daily]

Give honest appreciation only.

Be polite to your parents.

Empathize before judging.

Do not use social media more than an hour.

Donate 10% of your income.

Do not make fun of people.

Get in shape for your next birthday. [The book, Ikigai]

Given above is an example of a small mission statement for self. Remember, PMS could be for self, family, organization, friendship, career, academics, health, finance, relationship etc.

WHY TO WRITE A PMS?

Because you are the master and creator of your happiness, circumstances, actions and environment. There is no one to change but you. Take your 100% responsibility and write every action you need to take to become a better person which would change you and help you to achieve your ideal self. Also, if you don’t know what your destination is, then there is no way to reach there. 

HOW TO WRITE A PMS?

“A mission statement is not something you write overnight. It takes deep introspection, careful analysis, thoughtful expression, and often many rewrites to produce it in a final form. It may take you several weeks or even months before you feel really comfortable with it, before you feel it is a complete and concise expression of your innermost values and directions.” [The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey]. 

For this, you can also ask your close ones to give you honest reviews and then include them in your PMS. Before writing any value, ask yourself, “Is this something that will help me to become a better person or achieve my goal?”

KEEP EDITING

As the world is changing, our life is changing as well and simultaneously our values, goals and principles too are changing. So keep editing your PMS according to what you feel is the best. 

ACT

One thing you need to know is that whenever you act according to your values, your self-esteem highers. But whenever you do not act accordingly, your self-esteem lowers. For example, if your value is to wake up at 6 am daily and you act upon it, then you tend to respect yourself more. But if you keep on procrastinating your value, then you tend to feel regret at the end of the day and your self-respect decreases as well.

Peace of mind comes when your life is in harmony with true principles and values and in no other way.

- STEPHEN COVEY 

Keep your Personal Mission statement/ Personal Constitution somewhere that you can see and read anytime. You can paste it in your room, use it as your phone wallpaper or keep it in your pocket or whatever you feel is the best way that fits you.

THANK YOU.

Go to PMS.com to create your mission statement.