Eight Characteristics of a Strong Mission Statement

Each person has a unique combination of passions and values, which shape and define who they are, consciously or unconsciously. Once you find a compelling way to clearly articulate your core value and the passions that drive this core value, you’ll create a powerful tool that you can use as a decision yardstick, motivation, or standard for living your life. This tool is your mission statement.

A strong mission statement has the following characteristics:

1. Define who you are.

Your mission statement reflects your own personality and should uniquely identify with you. Your mission is not what you do, it’s who you are. If any of your peers can say the same statement in the same way as you, then you need to inject more of yourself into them. Stay away from the generic (“I help people lead better lives”). Your personality can be projected in the way you express your statement, in the words you use, your tone of voice, etc.

2. It is independent of time, space, people, form or situation.

Your mission statement describes the gift you bring to the world. Your mission statement is not a job or role description. The true test of your mission is whether you can accomplish it alone on a desert island, on a crowded bus, at a party, at work, with your spouse, that is, accomplishing it is independent of place, time, or situation. Think of Tom Hanks in the movie “Cast Away.” If you were in their situation, how could you live your mission and feel successful?

3. It is short and simple.

You can state your mission statement from memory, without looking for it, even when under stress. A mission statement should be no more than ten words and should be simple enough for a child to understand and say.

4. Anchor the core principles of your life.

The Mission Statement approach expresses the central theme of your life in a positive way, that which you would defend as true at almost any cost. He also describes how people are touched or influenced by his presence.

5. It is action oriented.

Your mission statement is based on action verbs that describe your passions. A successful mission statement inspires you to take action.

6. Listening to it makes people go “WOW!”

Your mission statement should make people feel inspired and engaged when you say it. Your listener must also be able to connect what you say with who you are, clearly and immediately. The ultimate success of a mission statement is how well it creates “word of mouth.” The best response is when your listener says “Tell me more!”

7. It’s easy to live, but it’s a lifelong journey that never ends.

Your mission statement doesn’t have to be grandiose or difficult. Living it every moment of every day, in everything you do, should be easy and simple, yet powerful and impactful. Your mission describes your journey, so it can never be “completed”. If it can be completed, then it is more of a “vision” or a “task.”

8. Projects confidence and gives you energy.

Your mission statement should roll off your tongue easily, without tripping over it. You must be able to project it in such a way that when you say it you feel empowered, clear and successful.