I
wrote a personal mission statement years ago that I can tweak as
necessary. I was going to cheat and just use that one, but in the process
of trying to find where I had written it down, (Note to self: When you
write it, POST IT where you can always see it!) I came across a journal I have
had since 1994, where I have jotted down notes, thoughts and ideas. (This
is one of my “Idea Notebooks”, which I highly suggest everyone have.)
Flipping through the pages, I found a note I wrote Dec. 20, 2000:
“Last
night after watching the University of Tennessee play UVA, they re-played an
acceptance speech from Jimmy Valvono, given March 3, 1993. He was
presented with the Arthur Ashe Award. I was so moved and inspired by his
comments. He said, not knowing how much time he had left, he had learned
there are 3 things everyone should do, every day:
1.
Laugh
2.
Think and learn
3.
Move your emotions---often, to tears.
Be
excited about every day, and enthusiastic about your goals. Live each day
to the fullest.
He
died of cancer six weeks later.
Sometimes
I am guilty of not living life to its fullest, or appreciating myself and my
individuality. I am going to change this. Now.”
The
irony in this is that over the last several years, I realize, after writing
this down in my “Idea Notebook”, I actually DID make some changes over the
years. If you have followed me and the blogs I have written over the
years, you will know that there were some great times, and some not-so-great
times. During the last not-so-great time, I realized I needed to follow
my own advice. In doing so, I changed the way I looked at and worked my
business. I used my personality and talents to make my real estate
business what I wanted it to be: About building relationships, and having
a great time doing it! In the book, “First Things First,” by Steven
Covey, he refers to developing a mission statement as "connecting with
your own unique purpose and the profound satisfaction that comes from
fulfilling it." So I guess I have the base to get started on my new
statement.
Are
you trying to write one? Here are some steps to help you get there:
Step 1: Identify Past
Successes. What
are some things you have been successful at in the last several
years? These can be successes you have had at work, home,
school, sports, etc. Write them down. What is the common theme?
Step 2: Identify Core
Values. Write
down what is important to you, and what your priorities are. This list of
attributes can be as long as you want it to be, but you will want to narrow it
down to the one thing that is most important to you.
Step 3: Identify
Contributions. How
do you make a difference to those around you? This could be your family,
your friends, your co-workers, your child’s sports team, or your
community…Anyone you are around. Make a list of the ways you could make a
difference.
Step 4: Identify
Goals. This
is a big one: Make a list of your personal goals. You can make them
long-term, or short-term.
Step 5: Write Mission
Statement. Based
on the first four steps, begin writing the first draft of your personal mission
statement.
My mission statement: To live each
day to the fullest, with excitement, enthusiasm and a strong desire to build a
successful and highly respected real estate business, earned by developing
relationships through consistent and predictably high work ethic of always
going above and beyond, and always doing so with a creative surprise up my
sleeve.
Lovin'
Life in the Lowcountry,
Janie
My
website: http://www.janiepughsellshomes.com
Low
Country Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlestonSCLifeintheLowcountry
Real
Estate Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaniePughofCarolinaOne
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/janiepugh
LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/janiepugh
Pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/janiespugh/
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