Table of Contents

• Why Review Your Mission Statement?

• When to Update Your Statement

• The Review Process

• Tips for Updating Your Statement

• Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Wrap-up

• FAQ

Why Review Your Mission Statement?

Did you know that 92% of people who write a personal mission statement never look at it again? That's a shame, because a well-crafted mission statement can be a powerful tool for personal growth and direction. But like any tool, it needs regular maintenance to stay sharp and effective.

A personal mission statement is more than just a few inspirational words on paper. It's a living document that should evolve as you do. Life changes, and so do our goals, values, and priorities. What mattered most to you five years ago might not be as important now. That's why reviewing and updating your mission statement is crucial.

Here are some reasons why you should revisit your personal mission statement regularly:

• Ensure alignment with current goals

• Reflect personal growth and life changes

• Maintain motivation and focus

• Identify areas for improvement

When to Update Your Statement

There's no hard and fast rule about how often you should update your mission statement. However, there are certain life events and milestones that often trigger the need for a review:

• Major life changes (marriage, divorce, having children)

• Career shifts or promotions

• Significant personal achievements

• Changes in personal beliefs or values

• At the start of a new year or on your birthday

Even if none of these events occur, it's a good idea to review your statement at least once a year. This keeps it fresh in your mind and allows you to make small adjustments as needed.

The Review Process

Reviewing your personal mission statement doesn't have to be a daunting task. Here's a simple process you can follow: 1. Read your current statement 2. Reflect on its relevance 3. Identify gaps or outdated elements 4. Brainstorm new ideas or adjustments 5. Rewrite or refine as needed

When reviewing your statement, ask yourself these questions:

• Does this still resonate with who I am today?

• Are my current goals and values reflected?

• Does it inspire and motivate me?

• Is it clear and concise?

If you answer "no" to any of these, it's time to make some changes.

Tips for Updating Your Statement

Updating your personal mission statement doesn't mean starting from scratch. Often, it's about refining and expanding on what you already have. Here are some tips to guide you:

• Be specific: Vague statements are less powerful. Use concrete language.

• Keep it concise: Aim for one or two sentences that pack a punch.

• Use positive language: Focus on what you want to achieve, not what you want to avoid.

• Make it actionable: Include verbs that describe what you'll do to live out your mission.

• Align with your values: Ensure your statement reflects your core beliefs and principles.

Remember, your mission statement should be uniquely yours. Don't copy someone else's or use generic phrases that don't truly resonate with you.

Examples of Updated Mission Statements

Original Updated Reason for Change "To be the best version of myself." "To continuously grow, learn, and contribute positively to my community and loved ones." More specific and actionable "To succeed in my career." "To innovate in my field while maintaining work-life balance and mentoring others." Reflects evolving priorities "To be happy." "To cultivate joy through meaningful relationships, personal growth, and service to others." More detailed and value-driven

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When updating your mission statement, watch out for these common mistakes:

• Making it too long or complicated

• Focusing solely on career goals and neglecting personal aspects

• Using cliches or buzzwords that don't mean much to you

• Setting unrealistic or overly idealistic goals

• Forgetting to include your core values

Authenticity is key. Your mission statement should feel true to who you are, not who you think you should be.

Wrap-up

Reviewing and updating your personal mission statement is an ongoing process. It's about staying true to yourself while also allowing for growth and change. By regularly revisiting and refining your statement, you ensure that it remains a powerful guide for your life decisions and actions.

If you're finding it challenging to create or update your mission statement, consider using a structured approach. Our product, Personal Mission Statement XP, offers a 3-week guided experience to help you craft a meaningful and inspiring personal mission statement. It provides the framework and accountability many people need to finally follow through on this important task.

Remember, a well-crafted mission statement can be a powerful tool for personal growth and direction. It's worth the time and effort to get it right and keep it updated.

FAQ

How long should a personal mission statement be?

Ideally, a personal mission statement should be one to two sentences long. It should be concise enough to remember easily but detailed enough to guide your actions.

Can I have multiple mission statements for different areas of my life?

While it's possible, it's generally more effective to have one overarching mission statement that encompasses all areas of your life. This helps ensure your actions are aligned across all aspects of your life.

What if I can't think of anything to write in my mission statement?

Start by reflecting on your values, passions, and long-term goals. Consider what you want your legacy to be. If you're still stuck, tools like Personal Mission Statement XP can provide guided exercises to help you uncover your mission.

How is a personal mission statement different from goals?

A mission statement is broader and more enduring than goals. It's about your overall purpose and values, while goals are specific, time-bound objectives that help you fulfill your mission.

Should I share my mission statement with others?

Sharing your mission statement can be powerful. It can help hold you accountable and inspire others. However, it's a personal choice. Some people prefer to keep their mission statement private, while others openly share it.