I believe in missions. I've always had one. As a career and life coach I encourage others to find their own; however, over the last decade, I've met more and more people who are merely concerned with "getting paid" in the short term, than being on a mission that will fulfill them, and get them paid in the long term.
What's missing from so many people's lives is a mission.
A mission is a calling. A mission is personal. A mission is a goal with meaning. If the mission lacks meaning, or if the meaning diminishes while in pursuit of the goal, it will eventually be abandoned. When that happens, get another one - the way that Bill Gates did.
After solving the world's computing problems with his Microsoft products, he has found a new mission in reforming education - and is making the most tangible impact of all players in that arena.
We all have a calling. Most don't answer it. Such people are distracted, or too busy working meaningless jobs to evaluate what's truly meaningful to them. Nothing distracts you from meaning like money - which is what makes Bill Gates (one of the richest men in the world) so extraordinary. He got his calling - twice - and answered it both times.
Those who flirt with their calling, and ignore their missions, are stricken by what psychologist Abraham Maslow refers to as the Jonah complex - the fear of one's own greatness, the evasion of one's destiny, or the avoidance of exercising one's talents.
It tells the story in the Hebrew Bible of a prophet named Jonah Ben Amittai who is sent by God to prophesy the destruction of Nineveh, but tries to escape the divine mission.
Not to get all biblical on you, but there's no better time to claim your mission than now. When you do, you will be able to quickly, and easily, identify others who are also on a mission because they carry themselves with greater focus, urgency, and purpose.
Those on a mission only concern themselves with what matters to them, which is most relevant and consistent with the efforts and actions that will enable them to accomplish their mission. Their missions enable them to adroitly align their thoughts and choices to accomplish great things in their work and lives.
Those on a mission only concern themselves with what matters to them, which is most relevant and consistent with the efforts and actions that will enable them to accomplish their mission. Their missions enable them to adroitly align their thoughts and choices to accomplish great things in their work and lives.
Since I have made reference to
mission statements, and their
importance, it’s only logical that I
provide you with instructions on
how to write one. So let’s get to it.
1. Think about an action to undertake that speaks to
your strengths and desires; things that you can do
tirelessly; things that come second nature to you.
This is crucial because a mission is all about action that
leads to results or progress.
2. Think about who the beneficiaries of this action
will be.
These actions that you are willing to passionately and
tirelessly undertake should be directed toward a group (e.g.,
a specific community, demographic of people, segment of
society, or industry) or cause (e.g., movement or change).
3. Think about a deeply personal accomplishment
that you want to accomplish for others, with your superpowers.
When you put it all together, it looks like this:
“To help people identify and remove the barriers to growth that limit success at work, in careers, and in life.”
~Gian Fiero, Growth Expert
Deciding upon a mission is harder than writing one; that’s
where you should place your focus before writing your
mission statement. Once you write it, live it!
More on missions below:
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