Have you ever felt like you’re wandering through life without a clear sense of direction or purpose? That’s where a personal mission statement comes in. Think of it as your very own “life compass”—one that not only keeps you on track but also reminds you why you’re on this journey in the first place.

Below are six concrete steps to help you create a personal mission statement you can be proud of—one that truly reflects who you are and who you want to become.

(here's a video version if you prefer to watch 🫡)

1. Self-Exploration

Before you begin writing, you need to clarify your deepest motivations, desires, and values. It’s time to do some serious soul-searching.

Ask the Right Questions:

• I am at my best when…

• I am at my worst when…

• I am truly happy when…

• If I had unlimited time and resources and knew I could not fail, I would…

Reflect Deeply: These questions aren’t just warm-up exercises; they uncover what genuinely lights you up—and where you might be holding yourself back.

Pro Tip: Jot down initial thoughts in a journal or digital doc. Don’t worry about organization or perfection at this stage—just let your ideas flow.

2. Role Clarification

We all wear multiple hats, often simultaneously. Your mission should reflect every critical dimension of your life, not just your work.

• List Your Key Roles: Identify 4–6 roles that are significant to you—both present and future. Examples: spouse, parent, business owner, volunteer, student, athlete, caretaker.

• Aim for Balance: Life isn’t just about your career. A holistic mission statement covers relationships, personal growth, spirituality, health, and more.

• Future Roles: If you plan on taking on a new role—like becoming a parent or switching careers—include that in your list. This ensures you’re setting an intention and working toward it.

3. Write Your Eulogy

There’s no better way to figure out what truly matters to you than imagining the impact you’ll leave behind.

• Envision the End: Picture yourself at the end of your life, and think about the legacy you want to leave.

• Who’s Speaking?: In your mind, who would be the person (or people) delivering your eulogy? A spouse? A child? A best friend?

• Be Concrete: Write down the qualities you hope they mention: Were you generous, loving, creative, determined? This exercise helps lock in your core values and goals.

4. Draft Your Mission Statement

Now the real writing begins. Pull together everything you’ve uncovered so far—from your introspective questions to your list of roles and your imagined eulogy.

• Find a Quiet Space: Head to a beach, park, or even your backyard—anywhere you can clear your head.

• Use Pen and Paper: There’s something grounding and introspective about physically writing.

• Choose a Format: Some people write in present tense (“I am a person who…”), others in future tense (“I will become someone who…”). Pick whichever resonates more with you.

• Be Authentic: Use your own words, and include details that make you feel genuinely excited. Quotes, personal mottos, or even short bullet points are welcome.

5. Put It to the Test

A great mission statement should pass four basic “tests.” Review your draft (and revise as needed) to ensure it meets these criteria:

1. Is It Personal?

Does it feel like it was written by you, for you? Or does it sound like a generic quote from the internet?

2. Is It Principled?

Does it reflect core, positive values like kindness, integrity, or compassion? If your statement was all about “ripping people off,” you might want to rethink it.

3. Is It Holistic?

Have you addressed all your essential life roles—career, family, community, self-care, spirituality, etc.?

4. Is It Inspiring?

When you read it, does it move you? Do you feel energized, empowered, or even a bit emotional?

6. Live It (and Keep It Visible)

The biggest mistake you can make is tucking your brand-new mission statement away in a drawer, never to be seen again.

• Keep It Accessible: Print it out and place it somewhere visible—above your desk, on your bathroom mirror, or in a note on your phone’s home screen.

• Review Regularly: Glance at it during your weekly or monthly planning. This keeps your actions in line with your stated values and goals.

• Evolve as You Grow: Over time, you might refine your statement to reflect new perspectives or life changes. Add “amendments” as needed, but keep the core intact unless there’s a significant shift in your life.

Want Expert Guidance (and Accountability)?

Creating a personal mission statement can be one of the most life-changing exercises you’ll ever do—but it’s also easy to let it slip to the bottom of your to-do list. That’s why I offer Personal Mission Statement XP, a 3-week guided experience designed to help you follow these steps and see them through to completion. You’ll get:

• Structured Weekly Lessons: Short, focused modules packed with practical tips and examples.

• One-on-One Coaching: Personalized feedback and accountability check-ins with me to keep you motivated.

• Money-Back Guarantee: If it’s not life-changing by the end, I’ll refund your investment—simple as that.

Stop letting your dream of clarity and purpose gather dust—join Personal Mission Statement XP and set the compass for your life’s journey once and for all.

Final Thoughts

A personal mission statement isn’t just a document—it’s a commitment to yourself and your future. By following these six steps, you’re taking the time to dig deep, unearth your truest values, and shape them into a guiding vision for your life. While this process can’t be rushed (expect it to take a few weeks of honest reflection), the end result is an empowering statement that captures the best of who you are and who you want to become.

So, grab your journal, find a quiet spot, and start building your personal compass. Your future self will thank you—and if you want guidance and a proven framework, you know where to find it.