By Orly Benaroch Light

“How different our lives are when we really know what is deeply important to us, and keeping that picture in mind, we manage ourselves each day to be and to do what really matters most.”

– Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Just as businesses use mission statements to define their identity and direction, a personal mission serves the same purpose for individuals. It is your personal compass, providing clarity on the kind of life you want to live. It acts as a source of inspiration, especially during challenging times, keeping you aligned with your values and goals.

“If you want to be successful, you need to think of yourself as a personal brand,” says William Arruda, author of Ditch, Dare, Do: 3D Personal Branding for Executives. “A personal mission statement is a critical piece of your brand because it helps you stay focused. 

For me, my personal mission statement is essential because it helps me maintain balance in my life, ensuring I take care of my mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. You can’t effectively help others unless you know who you are and what you stand for.

My mission statement is straightforward, built around my core values - the things that inspire and energize me. 

My life's purpose is to be a good mom, helpful guide to others, and a value-driven entrepreneur. I aim to empower women on their professional and personal journeys, defend human rights, and promote peace. 

As we evolve and gain more life experiences, our mission statements should grow too. A static statement can become outdated, so it’s important to revisit and refine it at least once a year so it reflects who we are now.

Creating a personal mission statement takes time and thoughtful reflection. It requires you to dig deep and think about what matters most to you – whether it’s family, career, or personal growth. I’ve revised my statement over time to ensure it genuinely represents me and my goals. It’s essential to keep your mission statement grounded in your true principles and aspirations.

One of the best tools I’ve found to creating a personal mission statement is the FranklinCovey Mission Statement Builder. This tool guides you through a 10-step process with prompts to help you capture and refine your passion and purpose in an actionable way. Keep your answers short - 50 words or less – focusing on the essence of who you are without unnecessary details. Remember, your statement is uniquely yours and doesn’t need to mirror anyone else’s.

My Personal Mission Statement

When I used the Mission Builder, it helped me create the following statement:

As a parent, business owner, and activist, I strive to live intentionally and with purpose. I want communication to be a core value, reflected in both my actions and words. 

To achieve balance and positively impact my life, I focus on:

Physical: Increasing physical activity, getting enough sleep, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Social/Emotions: Being truthful in all my relationships to build trust and healthy connections.

Mental: Committing to lifelong learning for personal and professional growth.

Spiritual: Practicing mindfulness to reduce stress and stay present in the moment.

If I could invite the three people who have most influenced me to dinner, they would be:

 1. My father Morris, who taught me to never give up in the face of challenges.

 2. My uncle Maurice, who showed me the importance of never settling for less than I deserve.

 3. My aunt Colette, who exemplified the importance of strength and independence as a woman, mother, and partner. 

If I am fortunate enough to live into my eighties, I envision a life filled with pets, children, and grandchildren. I want to be remembered as strong-willed, passionate, outspoken, bold, determined, and full of joy for life.

Creating a personal mission statement is a worthwhile effort. It defines who you are and what you want. For me, the most challenging part was digging deep and reflecting on what matters to me. 

Once I wrote my new personal mission statement, I made it a part of my daily life. I framed it and placed copies around my home and office to see it often. I strive to live according to my mission statement and share it with others, believing that accountability from those closest to us helps keep us to stay true to our mission.