Dick Biggs
A mission is "a body of persons sent to perform a service or carry on an activity." Most missions are team efforts and are over once a certain activity is performed, such as a space mission, military mission, or diplomatic mission.
A purpose is a personal, long-term affirmation of what you want "to be." It offers lifetime direction. Do you have your life`s purpose in writing? If so, congratulations. If not, use this l0-point model to craft your written purpose statement in as few words as possible:
- Find a guiding principle as your anchor. Use a passage from a poem, an inspirational quote, a song line, a Scripture verse, or any other written material that sets the tone for what could be the most important document of your life.
- Make a list of your domimant interests. Be sure to read next month`s article in this series for more on this.
- List the qualities you admire in your role models and mentors. It might be integrity, honesty, loyalty, discipline, or many other qualities you like about your favorite relatives, neighbors, clergy, coaches, teachers, etc.
- State your strongest character qualities. Put modesty aside and list your best traits, even if some also belong to your role models and mentors.
- Jot down some key phrases. Dont worry about complete sentences now - just some phrases that can be integrated into your statement later. The list is endless, but sample phrases include: "making a difference," "leaving a legacy," "living with passion," "daring to dream," or "choosing wisely."
- Do an outline. This step will get you focused and minimize rambling.
- Prepare a rough draft. Don`t worry about spelling, grammar, or word length. Just get your thoughts on paper and take whatever time you need.
- Edit, rewrite, and polish. Keep asking yourself, "Is this my best effort?"
- Share it with a relative or close friend. If you feel comfortable with this step, ask a parent, spouse, friend, or mentor for their feedback. What do they like? How could it be improved? Integrate any changes and edit.
- Put the finished document in prominent places. Read it regularly and live these words daily.
Dick Biggs is president of Biggs Optimal Living Dynamics. An inspirational speaker, he is the author of If Life is a Balancing Act, Why l am I so Darn Clumsy? For more information about Mr. Biggs, call (770) 886-3035.
