Creating Your Mission Facilitated by the Office of Judicial Affairs Based on The Path: Creating your Mission Statement for Work and Life by Laurie Beth Jones

WHY? Why would you create a mission?

3 Elements of a Mission No more than a single sentence long- WHY? Easily understood by a 12 yr. old Should be able to recite by memory at gunpoint

Examples: Lincoln: “Preserve the Union” FDR: “End the depression” Nelson Mandela: “End Apartheid” Mother Teresa: “Show mercy and compassion to the dying”

False Assumptions: My mission has to be grand and help lots of people My job or career goal is my mission My “to do list” is my mission I am NOT currently living my mission I am NOT important enough to have a mission A mission must be full of suffering

Before the Mission Know yourself: What makes you unique? What do you enjoy? What do people say you are good at? Passion: What most excites you about this world? What most angers you about this world?

I am: List five positive things about yourself OR Draw a picture of yourself as something

Action Verbs Pick out three verbs from each page on the list that excite you. Pick out the ultimate 3 verbs (keep a few alternates if you want to.)

Your Core What do you stand for? What principle, cause, value, or purpose would you die for or devote your life to? Examples: Joy, service, justice, family, faith, learning, creativity, equality, and excellence.

Whom are you here to help? Pick three groups or causes that you want to serve, be around, inspire, learn from, and impact in a positive way. Now choose the top one!

Your Mission Add the puzzle pieces together Does this surprise you? Is this similar to what you have been doing? How is it different? How does it feel to look at it? Does it fit you? Does it inspire or excite you? Is it clear? Is it specific to your passions, talents, and gifts?

Next Steps Get a thesaurus and write down as many words that relate to the key words in your statement. This will expand the possibilities. Ask people close to you if this describes you. Does this cover work and personal life?

Vision Statement What the idea will look like. This will sustain you on your mission. Four Key Elements 1) It is written down? 2) Is it present tense as if it has already been accomplished? 3) Variety of activities and time frames? 4) Is it filled with descriptive details that anchor it in reality?

Goals Looking at your mission and vision think about… Where will I be: In two years In five year In ten years On my death bed

Vision Statement Who is living the life you most envy? Describe what that life is like. Describe in detail your ideal work setting. Describe your ideal work day. Describe your ideal co-worker. If money were no object what would you be doing with your life?

How will others remember you? What tangible things do you give people to remember you by?

You are a very old person walking with a school child, they ask “What are you most proud of about your life?” As a result of your life three things have changed or shifted in the world. What are they?

Sustaining Your Vision Keep your mission and vision as the dominant thought in your mind! Examine, educate, and enlist your resources Time Talents Training Health Finances Friends and family Hobbies Coaches, teachers, religious leaders, etc.

A Mission is a Work in Progress