WHY MISSION MATTERS
In business, a mission statement is a short statement that defines why the organization exists and communicates the overarching goal of the company. When we read mission statements of some of the largest companies, we can easily see how their mission plays out in the products or services they provide. Here are some examples:
Kickstarter: “To help bring creative projects to life.”
Sony: “To be a company that inspires and fulfills your curiosity.”
Google: “To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”
Trip Advisor: “To help people around the world plan and have the perfect trip.”
These statements give each of these businesses a clear direction and purpose in which to move forward.
That is why, at The Whiteboard Room, we have all of our clients write a personal mission statement.
A mission of intention. One that speaks to the overarching goal and passion of our lives. One that gives us clear direction and purpose on how to move forward.
Because there is something wholly significant about being able
to put words to the mark we want to make in the world.
When we think about this for ourselves, as we seek to develop a personal mission statement, it is important to remember a few things:
Your mission statement should answer the question: What impact do I want to make?
Your statement should go beyond your circumstance. It is not limited by specific job or location. It’s the difference between someone's mission being, “To be a doctor.” vs “To bring healing.” Someone with the mission of bringing healing may seek to do that through becoming a doctor, but they could still live out their mission even if they didn’t enter the medical field. Remember, your circumstances may change, but your mission won’t.
Your platforms aren’t your purpose, you get to live out your purpose on your platforms.
You should aim to make your mission statement one sentence. It is important that it is easy to memorize, so that you can recall it quickly and communicate it clearly.
If you want to learn more about this, or want to go through the process of writing your own, the book The Path by Laurie Beth Jones is a resource that includes an exercise for constructing a mission statement.
Remember, your mission needs to align with the truth of who you are. Not who you think you should be. Your greatest impact will always come from your deepest places of empathy. Places where you have experienced pain but also see hope for the other side of that pain. And sometimes it can be challenging to be that honest with ourselves and with our stories, but if you can take the time to lean into that discovery, you will find that there is an intangible feeling that comes from knowing you’ve discovered your mission in life.
It equips you to live purposefully.
It helps you make decisions, and know if what you’re pursuing will be fulfilling.
It gives you the clarity and confidence of knowing you will leave the impact you want on this world.
That is why mission matters, and if you want a coach to walk with you though that process, learn more here.