© 2008 Vinny Ribas

 

Many business owners have very lofty and intangible reasons for building their businesses. Some might want to save the world, save the planet, encourage spiritual awakening or stop hunger. Others may want to make the world a safer place, a cleaner place or a happier place. Whatever it is, they are passionate about it and dedicated to achieving it. To them, it’s almost like they have been chosen by God himself to tackle that particular issue. For some reason, they cannot rest unless they are in relentless pursuit of that mission.

 

Sadly, many people get laughed at when they express these kinds of aspirations. They often hear things like, “You’ll never do that!” or “Get real!” Friends, family, business associates, acquaintances and even people they don’t know snicker when they walk by or when their name is mentioned. All too often, many of these business owners listen to what everyone is saying instead of listening to their hearts, and ultimately give up on their calling. And the worst of it is that NO ONE is better for it.

 

If a business is not only going to survive but thrive, it needs a reason for existing that is beyond making money. And so does every person. It is what makes us hang on during the tough times, leap back up when we’re knocked down, jump through hoops and climb over mountains that get in our way. It is our greater purpose. It infiltrates every fiber of our being. It is something that can never really be fully achieved – only constantly strived towards. It is our life’s work. If we don’t have a greater purpose, then what is the point in doing anything?

 

It is vitally important that everyone in your company understands and buys into your mission. It is also crucial that your friends and family comprehend and support your personal mission in life. This is why you need to write down carefully thought out business and personal mission statements. They need to be placed where everyone can see them, so that both you and they are reminded constantly of the bigger picture. Every decision you need to make can be guided by how well it falls in line with your mission.

 

Here are some key things to consider when developing your mission statements:

 

• Be certain that your business and personal mission statements do not conflict with each other. If they do, you will be in constant turmoil trying to decide which one is most important.
• Make them very short. One sentence is enough to sum up what you’re all about.
• Neither of these should have any quantifiable or measurable characteristics. That means no specific timelines, quantities, dimensions etc. They should never end, and in fact may carry on long even after you are out of the picture.
• Make coming up with your business’ mission statement a team effort. That way everyone agrees and buys into it right from the start. Only you can create your personal mission statement.
• If you can’t decide what either of your missions is, then it is time to do some soul searching. What do you feel is the most important contribution that you or your business can make to this world over the long haul? Why do you believe you are here on this planet at this date and time in history? What tugs at your emotions so hard that you wish you could either make it last forever or eradicate it completely? What makes you sing, cry, laugh or hurt? What can you do or are you doing about it?
• Frame it and hang copies everywhere, make it your company screensaver or have it etched in stone in your front yard. Do whatever it takes to keep it as the focal point for everything you do, think or say.
• Have accountability partners that keep you in line with your mission. Even though it is your driver, too often distractions or enticements can make you veer off of the path. Ask others to be your compass, insuring that you are heading in the right direction.

 

Once you have identified and written down business and personal mission statements that you honestly believe in, you will find that it is much easier to get up in the morning or stay up late at night to accomplish what needs to be done. All of a sudden, everything in your life will have meaning. You will become a relentless ‘warrior for the cause’. Ultimately, you will be respected, rewarded and remembered!