Why You Should Write Personal Mission, Vision and Values Statements
Most decisions are truly ours to make, but the decision-making process may be stressful because of multiple options. What criteria can we use to help us select the best choices for our lives? One way is to write and implement personal mission, vision and values statements.
Purpose
Companies use mission, vision and values statements as a scale when weighing the pros and cons of business ventures. For an example, a successful toy company with a vision to become the largest toy company in the world will probably say ‘yes’ to an opportunity to invest money in advertisements, but ‘no’ to selling cheeseburgers. Why? Selling cheeseburgers does not align with the mission of a toy company. Do companies decide to expand their vision and invest in other industries? Occasionally, yes. However, most successful companies stay true to their mission, vision and values and only change them after careful consideration of the effect a new direction may have on their brand.
Defined: Mission, Vision and Values Statements:
Mission — Purpose. Reasons for existence
Vision — Long-term goals
Values — Beliefs. Standards used to evaluate choices
Below are summaries of the mission, vision and values statements of selected successful global companies (June 2019). Notice the specificity of each statement.
Industry: Beverage
Mission: To refresh the world in mind, body and spirit.
Vision: Offering the world a portfolio of drinks brands that anticipate and satisfy people’s desires and needs.
Values/Beliefs: Our shared values guide our actions and describe how we behave in the world: People, Portfolio, Partners, Planet, Profit and Productivity.
Industry: Sports Apparel, Equipment
Mission: To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world. If you have a body, you are an athlete.
Vision: To remain the most authentic, connected, and distinctive brand.
Values/Beliefs: We’re committed to creating better, more sustainable future for our people, planet and communities through the power of sport.
Industry: Air Travel
Mission: “… dedicated to bettering standards of living and the environment where we and our customers live and work.”
Vision: To be the World’s Most Trusted Airline.
Values/Beliefs: Honesty: always tell the truth, Integrity: always keep your deals
Respect: don’t hurt anyone, Perseverance: never give up, Servant Leadership: care for everyone
Industry: Restaurants
Mission: To offer reasonably priced quality food, served quickly, in attractive, clean surroundings.
Vision: To be the most profitable QSR business, through a strong franchise system and great people, serving the best burgers in the world.
Values/Beliefs: “…four key areas — Food, People, Environment, and Corporate Governance.”
Personal Mission, Vision and Values Statements
Organizations and companies are not the only entities able to benefit from clearly written mission, vision and values statements. Individuals may use the same tools for decision-making in their personal, social and professional lives to create meaning and purpose. It is easy to lose track and wander through life without clearly defined aspirations. Without focus, you can easily succumb to the whims of others who do not have your best interest at heart. Without using discernment, you may become prey to ideas unsuitable for your goals. Every choice you make either gets you closer or further to where you want to be in life. Clearly written mission, vision and values statements provide clarity and criteria for evaluating opportunities.
Risks and Rewards
Writing personal mission, vision and values statements is a way to clarify your plans and help you determine which invitations to accept or avoid. However, even with perfect planning, we cannot always control the outcomes. We learn about ourselves with each success and disappointment. Therapist Michael Vincent Miller, PhD states in his article, After the Beginning, “Disappointment keeps you connected to life as it continues to unfold and places an important choice in front of you.” When disappointment happens, it is a time to reflect and understand the causes. Maybe your vision was too broad. Maybe it is not the right time. Be willing to learn from disappointments and find the courage to keep working towards your goals. Companies often try new products that are not always successful. Thriving businesses continue to invest in themselves until they find their niche. Likewise, it may take trial and error before you settle on a specific direction. Be patient. Go at your own pace.
The Choice is Yours
Your personal mission, vision and values will change over time. Be open to editing and rerouting your path as needed. Life is about growth and change. When growth stops, decay begins.
References:
Friesen, C. (2016). How to write your personal mission statement. Retrieved from https://www.success.com/how-to-write-your-personal-mission-statement/.
Wloczewski, C. Three things you can’t do without: mission, vision, and values statements. Retrieved from https://www.cellaconsulting.com/blog/three-things-you-cant-do-without-mission-vision-and-values-statements/.
Choice picture retrieved from http://www.picpedia.org/highway-signs/c/choice.html.
