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Understanding personal mission statements - Personal mission statements are short summaries of your ultimate career goal and key attributes. They succinctly communicate your purpose and direction in 30 to 40 words.

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Benefits of a personal mission statement - Having a personal mission statement helps guide and prioritize your actions in the most efficient and effective way. It provides clarity, focus, and motivation.

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Components of a personal mission statement: Short- and long-term goals - Start by clearly defining what you aim to achieve in the near and distant future.

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Values -

The next step is to identify the core principles that drive your decisions and actions. For example, are you motivated by innovative change, autonomy, diversity, or something else entirely?

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Interests -

Highlight the areas you are passionate about. For example, if you are passionate about innovation and technology, you might choose to work in the technology sector.

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Skills - Are you an excellent communicator? A brilliant strategist? Or maybe you're highly skilled in a niche area? It’s important to outline your key competencies and talents.

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The difference you hope to make - Specify the impact you want to have on your community, industry, or even your company.

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How to write a personal mission statement: Identify your strengths - It’s time to reflect on, and understand, your unique skills and capabilities. Think back to past accomplishments and what strengths you used to achieve certain goals.

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Write about your values - Determine what is the most important to you and how these values shape your decisions. You want a statement this is true and authentic to you.

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Evaluate your skills -

Assess your abilities and how they can help you achieve your objectives. Be sure to note soft skills and hard skills as well as skills you can improve upon to meet your career goals.

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Select your desired position: Field - Choose the industry or sector you want to work in by doing research and speaking with industry professionals. See which field best aligns with your values and interests, and also lets you capitalize on your strengths.

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Select your desired position: Pick the role - Identify the specific job or role you're aspiring to. Defining the role and associated skills will help you learn what you need to work on.

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Select your desired position: Role-related specific goals -

Set clear, actionable goals related to your chosen role. Breaking down your aspiration into SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-sensitive) goals will help guide you and keep you motivated.

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Integrating your mission statement with your vision - Connecting your mission statement with a broader vision for your life ensures alignment between your daily actions and long-term aspirations.

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Formulating your vision - Think through, summarize, and try to encapsulate your long-term vision and the differences you want to make.

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Highlight key attributes that guide your actions - Consider which personal qualities define your approach in achieving career objectives.

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Using your personal mission statement: Review it every day -

Keep it fresh in your mind to stay focused and motivated. Consider jotting it down on a sticky note that you then stick to a mirror and view daily.

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Let it guide your job search -

Use it to evaluate potential job opportunities and ensure they align with your mission.

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Revising your statement: Decide why you need to change your statement -

Reflect on significant changes in your career goals or values. Consider whether shifts in your life warrant a complete overhaul of your current statement, or just minor tweaks.

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Reevaluate your new career goals - As you age and progress in your career journey, adjust your goals to reflect your current aspirations and circumstances.

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Seek feedback -

Getting constructive feedback on your mission statement can provide new perspectives and enhance its clarity. Consider sharing it with mentors, colleagues, or career coaches.

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Revising and refining your statement - Steps to revise and refine your mission statement for clarity and impact include reassessing your goals, seeking feedback, and ensuring it remains concise and powerful.

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Sharing your mission statement - Sharing your mission statement with others can reinforce your commitment and accountability. It also helps others understand your professional objectives as well as how they can support you.

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Common mistakes to avoid - Pitfalls to avoid include being too vague, focusing solely on personal gains, or even failing to update your statement as your career and life evolves.

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Balancing personal and professional goals -

Integrating both personal aspirations and professional goals helps create a balanced and holistic mission statement.

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Use your mission statement for motivation - Your personal mission statement can serve as a source of motivation and a powerful reminder of your purpose and, ultimately, help drive you achieve your goals.

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Evaluating your progress -

It’s important to regularly evaluate progress towards fulfilling your mission statement. This will help ensure you stay on track and make necessary adjustments.

Sources: (Indeed) (James Madison University) (FranklinCovey) (LiveCareer)

See also: How (and why) to create a personal development plan

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