Mission Statements – Business, Family, and Personal

Successful businesses often have a clear and concise mission statement that guides their actions and defines their purpose. These statements serve as a compass, helping business leaders make decisions that align with their core values and goals. But why should the power of mission statements be limited to the business world? When you aim to optimize your life personally, and as a family or team, crafting mission statements can be a transformative and grounding exercise.

Personal Mission Statement

What’s important to you? Where do you want to go in life? These are questions that a personal mission statement can help you answer. Your personal mission statement is a powerful and succinct declaration of who you are and what you stand for. It serves as a reminder of your essence and values, helping you stay grounded in what truly matters. Whether you want to be known for your kindness, resilience, or creativity, your personal mission statement becomes your guiding light. It sets the boundaries within which you make decisions about how you invest your time, money, and energy. In essence, your personal mission statement shapes your reality by aligning your actions with your desired identity.

Examples:

• “To have fun in my journey through life and learn from my mistakes.” -Richard Branson
• “Not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” -Maya Angelou
• “To serve as a leader, live a balanced life, and apply ethical principles to make a significant difference.” -Denise Morrison

Family Mission Statement

Just as individuals benefit from mission statements, so do families. Your family likely has an overarching mission, even if it hasn’t been formally articulated. This mission might revolve around values like environmental stewardship, community service, or simply fostering a sense of togetherness. If your family hasn’t yet defined its mission, consider engaging everyone in the process. Encourage family members to share their thoughts on what your family stands for and what you collectively want to achieve. Crafting a family mission statement can be a unifying experience, helping your family set priorities, stay focused on meaningful goals, and shed activities or commitments that don’t align with your shared purpose.

Examples:

• Our family environment is a reprieve. We build habits that help us look on the bright side, connect, help others, and enjoy life.
• We belong to something bigger than ourselves. That means that everyone does chores, takes care of themselves and each other, and thinks about the greater good of the family.
• Devices and electronics are fun, but can’t rule our lives. We prioritize connection, relationships, and values that can only happen when our devices are put away.

Business Mission Statement

In the business world, mission statements are common practice. They provide a concise summary of a company’s core purpose and values. A well-crafted mission statement not only differentiates a business in the marketplace, but also acts as a guiding force for its employees. It brings the team together under a shared set of values and a common direction. To create an effective business mission statement, ask yourself fundamental questions about your company’s purpose, audience, and ultimate benefits that it provides. Once you have clarity on these aspects, distill your answers into a few powerful phrases that capture the essence of your business.

Examples:

• Starbucks: “To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.”
• Walmart: “To save people money so they can live better.”
• Nike: “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. If you have a body, you are an athlete.”

Whether in your personal, family, or business life, a mission statement serves as a North Star, guiding your decisions and actions toward a more purposeful and fulfilling existence. Take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you and express it through your own mission statements. For a more detailed explanation on how to write a mission statement, check out this resource.