When I start a coaching session with a new client, we start by creating a wellness vision. The process involves creating a clear picture of how you see yourself at your best state of well-being. In order to know what we truly want in our lives, we need to get a clear picture of what that is. You wouldn’t start a business without a business plan would you? Well, you could but having a plan will certainly increase your chances for success. Think of the values and purpose part of your wellness vision as your personal mission statement. In the business world, a mission statement is defined as a company’s “statement of purpose” or “why the company exists”. It is part of building the foundation of the business. When big decisions are made, the company’s mission (usually!) is kept in the forefront.
Now think about creating your own personal mission statement. Your personal mission statement should define your purpose, what you value, who you are, and how you want to live. You can have a blanket mission statement for your life or a mission statement for different areas of your well-being. The main areas of well-being are:
- Career well-being
- Financial well-being
- Physical well-being
- Community/social well-being
- Family well-being
To help create your personal mission statement, a good place to start is by asking yourself some questions:
- What have I done well in the past in this area of well-being?
- If I was at my best with regards to this are of well-being, what would this look like?
- What are my core values when it comes to this area of well-being?
- What is most important to me?
- If I were living this area of well-being with purpose, what would that look like?
Take your time and write down anything that comes to mind. There are no rules on how your personal mission statement needs to be written or how long it needs to be. After all, it is you mission statement. It should come from you, not from another person’s idea of who you should be.
Keep in mind, your mission may change over time as your life evolves. It is helpful to review and revise your personal mission statement often. If you use your personal mission statement to guide your goals, you are more likely to set meaningful goals and your life will be a reflection of your purpose and core values.
bestselfcoaching 
July 5, 2013 at 6:38 pm
Great post! Now that we are more than half way through the year, it is important to be reminded of the goals that were so important January 1st. I’ve written my list of personal core values in the past. When I make goals for myself, I think about what actions I want to take that will expand my core values. Mine: Wellness (health, safety, balance), Responsibility, Freedom of Self-expression, respect, contribution, and growth. When I can layer a couple of core values into a goal, there is so much purpose behind it. I feel like my goals are an outlet for “who I really am” and the goal is helping me share it with the world.
July 8, 2013 at 6:36 pm
I agree! I love your explanation of how you view your goals. Powerful stuff!!!!
July 10, 2014 at 7:04 pm
I agree! Core values are a huge part of successful goal setting and behavior change. This was the missing link in healthcare and the fitness industry. It is exciting to see the shift where patients are being empowered to take charge of their health based on this very model.