Why you should have a personal mission statement

As many companies define their mission statements to align their team and provide a framework for their internal culture, it's less common for people to express their own mission statements. However, I believe it can transform lives.

A mission statement can be compelling for a company when done correctly. It explains "why" the company is doing what it does. It helps all the workers to focus on long-term goals and make the right decisions. It provides a clear framework for their customers and partners.

Of course, actions must be coherent with the company's mission. Otherwise, it's just bad marketing.

If a mission statement can help to align thousands of workers in a company, isn't that a powerful tool to align ourselves with our long-term personal goals?

I firmly believe it is.

A personal mission statement expresses what you stand for and what motivates you in life. It's not about what you are today but what you aspire to be in the future.

I have no secret sauce about how you can find yours. It's very personal, and it depends on who you are. The only thing I'm sure of is that defining its personal mission statement requires some time and a lot of self-awareness.

Defining your personal mission statement will help you make decisions in every aspect of your life — decisions about what you do and what you don't do. It will allow you to be intentional about who you want to be and what you want to achieve.

I dedicated time to working on my personal mission statement a few years ago. I tried to identify what gives me motivation and purpose in life. I already knew that I was an entrepreneur. It's who I have been since my childhood. Working on my mission also clarified that I intensely wanted to impact the world as much as possible. With my skills in online business and media, I had the opportunity to have an impact at scale.

With that in mind, I defined my personal mission statement: to help a generation switch to sustainable transport and energy. I wanted it to be short and concrete.

Of course, it's primarily linked to my job. That's because work is an essential aspect of my life - and I don't want to change that. It's so related to my work that it also became the mission of my group. I have this incredible chance to have my personal and work mission aligned.

Since then, having my mission written has helped me make many decisions. I know where I want to go. I defined my north star and I'm using it to find the path. Decisions are easier.

If you haven't defined your personal mission statement, I urge you to take some quality time to write it. It may not be easy for you, but expressing our mission could be the most impactful decision you take in life.

Ready to do it?