Tag Archives: Developing a mission statement

 “There is nothing like knowing you have a real opportunity to affect the future in a positive way” – Tisha Johnson  

It is not unusual for people to ask themselves at some point in their lives, about the meaning and purpose of their lives.  This is especially true when things are not going especially well in for them.  Life for all of us has its ups and downs. Having  a mission in your life can help you get through those tough as well as the good times.

In order to even begin the process of devising a mission for your life, you need to be willing to entertain the possibility that you can do it. For many, there is not the remotest idea that this is something they can possibly do for themselves.

The beginning of this process is to consciously choose to seriously think that developing a personal mission is possible for your life.  Your mission should be yours and not that of someone else.  You need to trust in your own gut and not be swayed by other people’s thinking.  It is not unusual for you to be influenced by what other people say or do. You probably have been doing this for most of your life,  In spite of this, you cant decide for yourself that you are free to be true to yourself.

The big question is, “How can I have a mission in life when I have no idea what I could find as meaningful in my life?”

Finding your mission comes from within yourself and is actualized in the way you operationalize it in the world around you.  For example, people in the helping profession such as nursing, counseling  or teaching can have a mission to help people achieve a more productive, satisfying life. On the other hand, you may have a  mission in life that does not necessarily require you to pursue a particular career or vocation.

It could also be something more general in nature such as commiting yourself to be a great role model as a  parent or grandparent or volunteering in some worthy activity that will make a positive difference in the community.

Even if you don’t have a formal mission, it need not be a problem. If life brings you pleasure on a steady basis, regardless of what you do, it can be entirely satisfying.  However, when you are hit by life’s adversity, these pleasures may not be as helpful as a solid mission.

The following are some of the steps you can take in order to determine your mission in life,  These suggested steps are not the end all be all, when it comes to finding your mission, but it is a start.

1. Compose on paper a list of things that you have experienced in your past that have brought you a feeling , however brief, of a higher level of being.
2. From your list, ask yourself which ones bring you a sense of fulfillment?
3. Think deeply about how your sense of fulfillment in these situations can be translated into an actual endeavor.
4. It is important to remember that the endeavor should be meaningful to yourself and to others in the world.
5. Finally, you need to feel in your gut, that whatever you find meaningful and fulfilling is the most important thing you can do with your life.

 Any questions, suggestions or comments can be directed to me,  Ray Shocki PhD, LCSW, LMFT at lifesourcecenter@aol.com