If we pause for a moment and ask, “What is my mission in life?”, the answers that surface are rarely clear, crisp, or compelling. Yet as leaders, as visionaries, as people with purpose, we must dare to put our mission into words because those words are the compass that helps others move with us.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how I crafted my personal mission statement, how it shapes my leadership vision, and how values-driven leadership becomes not just an idea, but a lived reality.
Why a Personal Mission Statement Matters
A personal mission statement is more than an inspirational quote to tape to your wall. It is:
• A north star, a guiding light, that keeps you aligned when distractions and setbacks arise.
• A bridge connecting your deepest convictions (your values) with your daily actions.
• An invitation, a way to say, “Join me on this journey,” to those you lead, support, or influence.
Without a clear mission, even the best strategies can feel hollow or disconnected.
How I Discovered My Mission in Words
My journey to articulate my mission was messy, humble, and full of revision. But here’s the process I used and invite you to use too:
1. Reflect on pivotal moments.
Think back to times when you felt more lively, when your energy soared. What themes kept surfacing? For me, it was connection, transformation, and possibility.
2. Name your values in bold.
Don’t just hint at them. Mine include authenticity, creativity, courage, and service.
3. Envision your legacy.
If someone looked back at your life in 50 years, what would you hope they see and say? I want to leave a world where people not only find their voice but speak boldly.
4. Combine it all into a declarative statement.
Choose strong action verbs. Mine would be:
“I empower individuals to uncover their truest voice, lead from possibility, and impact their communities with clarity and courage.”
5. Test it.
Use your mission in small ways: as a greeting in your talks, in your email signature, or in conversations. See how it feels. Let it evolve.
From Statement to Leadership Vision
Your mission is your foundation, and your leadership vision is the structure you build on it. Here’s how they relate:
• The mission is the why: My mission shows why I rise each morning. What drives you and makes your heart yearn for tomorrow?
• Your vision is the how: My leadership vision is to build communities and platforms where people can practice truth-telling, curiosity, and resilience. How do you see yourself transforming the world and impacting those around you?
• The strategy is the what: My programs, books, and courses are the tangible ways I bring that vision to life. What about you?
When mission and vision are aligned, decision-making becomes easier. New opportunities that don’t resonate naturally fall away.
Embodying Values-Driven Leadership
A statement is only as strong as its expression. To lead from values means:
• Choosing integrity over convenience: When you say “authenticity,” show up with vulnerability even when it’s hard.
• Inviting participation: Instead of commanding, you guide. You listen. You create space for others to identify, embrace, and implement their own mission.
• Adapting with humility: Values-driven leaders evolve. They are receptive to new information and new seasons because they understand these invite growth.
Leaders who live from their mission and values don’t just direct change; they become catalysts of it.
When Words Move People
Here’s what happens when your mission speaks to those around you:
• People feel seen, heard, and inspired to join you, not because they feel obligated, but because they resonate and find meaning in your mission.
• Your everyday decisions begin aligning with your deeper purpose, reducing burnout and confusion.
• You attract collaborators, team members, and communities who share your passion and journey.
I still revise my mission, even now. And that’s okay. It grows as I grow. What matters is that it continues to move people, starting with me.
It’s Your Turn, Start Crafting
• Write 3–5 sentences about your “why.”
• Highlight the words that carry the strongest emotional charge.
• Distill them into one or two sentences for your mission.
• Share it with a trusted colleague or friend.
Your mission is not yours alone; it is a spark for others. If you’re ready to align your personal mission statement with your leadership vision, I invite you to:
• Connect with me at M. Teresa Lawrence
• Join a community of values-driven leaders at The Trueness Project
• Experience transformation in motion at the Butterfly March
Your words can move the world. Start crafting them today.
