How to Write a Mission StatementJUAN BELTRAN

What is a Mission Statement?

A mission statement is a formal short writing, normally composed of a couple of sentences that delineates an entity's (whether an organization or individual) purpose. Company mission statements normally provide thrust and direction to the organization, while a personal mission statement establishes our purpose in a certain circumstance and our core values. One’s personal mission statement may depend on the situation where it will be presented, nevertheless its fundamentals should still be the same.

Ex. John A. Ferguson’s mission statement: To develop within its community the actualization of the essential core values: Integrity, Visionary Leadership, Lifetime Learning, Pursuit of Excellence, Respect, Responsibility for Self and Community.

How to Write a Personal Mission Statement

Identify Past Successes. Spend some time analyzing past achievements in any situation, whether at a community service project, personal/emotional growth and success, at a job, etc. Try to find a common theme between them and write it down.

Identify Core Values. Create a list of attributes that define you, and identify who and what are your priorities. Then narrow down those lists of values and priorities to 5 or 6 that truly define you.

Identify Contributions. Design a list of all the ways you could make a difference or contribute to your surroundings, it could be to your school, a friend, family member, community, school you are applying to, or even future employer.

How to Write a Personal Mission Statement (Cont.)

Identify Goals. Identify both short and long-term goals you have placed for yourself, write them down.

Write Mission Statement. Put together all the points you previously wrote down into a condensed format.

Conclusion

Personal mission statements are an indicator of one’s level of effort and maturity. They can be used for either a job interview, a college application/interview, etc.