Many are familiar with the concept of a business mission statement. It can have considerable value. Among other things it helps to clarify what the company stands for, its long term goals and objectives, what needs to be done to meet them and to stay focused. It is a must have.

But how many have a personal mission statement?

It is as important to your success and well being as the former and goes a long way to fostering that elusive work/life balance. A personal mission statement is a written expression of your personal vision, values and principles, Among other things, it helps to:

Identify and articulate your own uniqueness; your core beliefs and values, who you are where you are headed. Most importantly, why.

It establishes the criteria by which you measure everything else in your life.

It serves as a reminder of what your life is all about and what you truly value when outside, contrasting forces press against you.

A thoughtful personal mission statement isn’t something written on the back of an envelope, on the fly. It could weeks or even months. Nor is it written in stone. Occasionally It needs to be revisited and revised, according to changing events and circumstances.

Writing one is an act of personal courage. It involves your working with your head and your heart. It asks that you be fully present, aware of your behaviors and habits and how your deeds and actions impact on others.

The work place is a pressure cooker. Staying positive, fighting back the constant stream of demands, negativity and cynicism is a must. A personal mission statement serves to keep you grounded, stay focused on what is really important and fight off meaningless, idle distractions.

It serves as a reality check, something to help you smooth out the road to success, bring more joy and happiness into your life and those whom you love and whom, in turn, love and nurture you.

Have you written yours?