Habit 2: Begin With The End in Mind Personal Mission Statement

Write about each of the three topics below without stopping. This is freewriting, so don’t worry about spelling, punctuation, etc. If you hit a point where you can’t think of anything to write, just keep going and write words or phrases that come immediately to mind. Remember, you’re brainstorming and not writing a final draft. The purpose is to capture your ideas on paper. Spend two to three minutes on each question.

1. Identify an influential person. Identify one person who had (knowingly or unknowingly) a positive influence on your life.

What are the qualities you most admire in this person?

What qualities did you gain from this person?

2. Define who you want to become. Imagine it’s twenty years in the future. You have achieved all you ever hoped to achieve.

What is your list of accomplishments?

What do you want to have, do, and be?

3. Determine what is important to you today.

Step 2: Take a Breather

Now take a deep breath and relax. Put your writing aside for a few minutes and walk away from it.

Step 3: Gather Your Thoughts

Review what you’ve written and circle the key ideas, words, and phrases that you would like to include in your mission statement.