At under 50 pages, this book was easily consumed over the course of an afternoon. And while I was hoping for some more practical “how-to” steps, the realization that this is exactly what a mission statement is not (a repeatable number of steps to its conclusion) might be the most important takeaway from this short read.
It’s not a process that you whip through in a few hours and begin living immediately from that point forward. Furthermore, it’s not something you invent. Rather, it’s something you detect or discover. It’s an evolution that leads to a revolution. These might be kitschy catchphrases, but that’s the underlying (and critical) message that I received through the words of Dr. Covey alongside many of his contributing co-authors.
I have read the introductions to several other books that state what a personal mission statement should be, and what it should not be. That in itself is a red flag, because the uniqueness of a mission statement or purpose in life is as unique as the individual writing it. And even that is an important misnomer that jumped off the page at me. A mission statement doesn’t need to be limited to words. It can be a sketch, an image, a song, or any other means of self-expression that works for the individual it’s connected to. You are not developing this for anyone but yourself, so no one should tell you what it should or shouldn’t be. The most important aspect of it is that it works… for you, as you navigate each choice–big or small–in your daily life.
I might retitle this short book as something different: Thoughts on Developing Your Personal Mission Statement. Because that’s what is required, a deep reflection during those private moments in your life when you are alone with yourself, to honestly and authentically assess what matters most to you.
I have a problem when it comes to engaging in most tasks, a desire to get from start to finish in a single session. To break things up into smaller pieces is a difficult thing for me. I crave instant gratification and that immediate sense of accomplishment that comes with it, perhaps a few things that I would do well to test against the universal laws and natural principles on which a mission statement is founded. And that’s where one of the short chapters co-authored by a colleague of Dr. Covey really hit home.
Don’t try to do it all at once. And don’t think that you have to. Spend ten minutes doing something that brings you joy and then jot down how you feel and what feels important to you immediately after that. It’s not everything, but it is a small nugget to mine. It’s the beginning of a mission statement. Live with it and let it percolate, mature, and grow. The evolution becoming a revolution feels less like a catchphrase and more like an astute realization.
After reading and re-reading “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” several times over the years, this short book complements Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind as a companion that just might nudge you back in the direction of creating a path to the most authentic and purposeful version of yourself.
Dave’s Rating: ☕️☕️☕️
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