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20 Inspiring Examples: How to Write a Personal Mission Statement

A personal mission statement is a declaration of your guiding principles, goals, and aspirations in life. It helps you articulate your purpose, clarify your values, and make better decisions, both personally and professionally.

Having a personal mission statement is important for staying grounded and focused, especially when faced with difficult choices or setbacks in your life. By clearly defining your mission, you can:

  • Gain a sense of direction
  • Set priorities
  • Align actions with core values
  • Improve decision-making
  • Motivate yourself
  • Enhance personal growth and development

Key Components

In order to craft an effective personal mission statement, it’s important to consider three key components:

  • Purpose: Reflect on your passions, what motivates you, and what you believe you were meant to do in this world.
  • Core values: What are the principles that govern your behavior and decision-making? Think about the qualities you value most, such as integrity, kindness, or perseverance. Learn more: Core Values List: 150+ Awesome Examples of Personal Values
  • Goals: What do you hope to achieve in life, both personally and professionally? Determine what kind of impact you want to make in the world and set specific, measurable objectives that will help you reach that goal.

As you work on these components, be honest with yourself and choose elements that truly resonate with you, rather than adopting someone else’s beliefs or expectations. If your mission statement reflects your authentic self, it will be a far more effective tool for personal growth and fulfillment.

Creating Your Personal Mission Statement

Identifying your values.

Understanding your core values is essential in creating a personal mission statement. These values should reflect what is most important to you, and they will be the foundation of your mission statement. To help you identify your values, consider the following steps:

  • Reflect on your past experiences and the values that were demonstrated in those situations.
  • Ask yourself what values you hold most dear and which ones guide your decisions.

Learn more: Core Values List: 150+ Awesome Examples of Personal Values

Once you have a list of potential values, narrow it down to the top 3-5 that resonate with you the most. These will serve as the basis for your personal mission statement.

Setting Your Goals

Now that you have identified your values, it’s time to set your personal and professional goals. These goals should align with your values and form the framework of your mission statement. Here are some steps to assist you in setting your goals:

  • Break your life into categories (such as career, relationships, and personal growth).
  • Consider both short-term and long-term goals within each category.
  • Be specific and realistic about what you want to achieve.

With clearly defined goals, you will be better equipped to create a mission statement that is focused and actionable.

Writing Your Statement

Now that you have defined your values and goals, you can begin crafting your personal mission statement. Keep the following tips in mind while writing your statement:

  • Begin with a powerful opening sentence that encapsulates your values and aspirations.
  • Be clear in expressing your goals and how they align with your values.
  • Write in the present tense and use positive language to project confidence.

Your personal mission statement should be a reflection of who you are and what you hope to achieve. Revise and refine your statement until you feel it accurately represents your values, goals, and aspirations.

Examples of Personal Mission Statements

In this section, you’ll find a variety of personal mission statement examples tailored to different roles, lifestyles, and aspirations. Take inspiration from these examples and use them as a starting point for your own unique mission statement.

Example 1: Student

As a student, your mission might be to excel academically and develop meaningful relationships. Example: “To achieve academic excellence, cultivate lifelong friendships, and make a positive impact on my university community.”

Example 2: Career Professional

Your mission as a career professional could be to advance in your industry, exemplify integrity, and balance work and personal life. Example: “To grow professionally, maintain a high level of integrity, and achieve a healthy work-life balance.”

Example 3: Parent

As a parent, your mission could be to nurture, teach, and support your children, preparing them for the future. Example: “To provide a loving, enriching environment for my children, empowering them with the tools to succeed and grow.”

Example 4: Retiree

Your mission as a retiree can be to enjoy your golden years, staying healthy, and remaining active in your community. Example: “To maintain my health, engage in fulfilling hobbies, and contribute positively to my community.”

Example 5: Entrepreneur

“To create innovative solutions and provide exceptional value to my customers and my community.”

Example 6: Freelancer

“To deliver outstanding work to my clients while maintaining flexibility and work-life balance.”

Example 7: Community Volunteer

“To dedicate my time and skills to causes that make a meaningful impact in my community.”

Example 8: Environmentalist

“To contribute to a sustainable future through conscious choices and meaningful actions.”

Example 9: Artist

“To express my creativity, tell compelling stories, and touch the lives of others through my art.”

Example 10: Innovator

“To think critically, explore new possibilities, and develop groundbreaking solutions for the future.”

Top-20 Examples of Personal Mission Statements:

  • To live a life of purpose and make a positive impact on the world around me.
  • To constantly learn and grow, both personally and professionally, and inspire others to do the same.
  • To be a compassionate and empathetic listener, and provide support to those who need it.
  • To live a life of integrity and honesty, and always act with kindness and respect towards others.
  • To use my creativity and innovation to solve problems and bring new ideas to the table.
  • To make a difference in my community and give back to those in need.
  • To be a role model for others, especially young people, and inspire them to pursue their dreams.
  • To live a life of balance, and prioritize my relationships, hobbies, and passions alongside my work.
  • To be a leader who empowers others and helps them reach their full potential.
  • To embrace challenges and failures as opportunities for growth and learning.
  • To live a life of mindfulness and presence, and appreciate the beauty of the world around me.
  • To be a responsible and ethical citizen, and contribute to the betterment of society.
  • To be a lifelong advocate for social justice and equality.
  • To be a positive force in the lives of those around me, and spread joy and positivity wherever I go.
  • To be a lifelong learner and teacher, sharing my knowledge and experiences with others.
  • To be a steward of the environment, and work towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
  • To be a supportive and loving partner, parent, and friend.
  • To prioritize my physical and mental health, and encourage others to do the same.
  • To be a lifelong learner and seeker of truth, always questioning and challenging my own beliefs.
  • To be a champion for diversity and inclusion, and celebrate the unique qualities of every individual.

As you embark on this journey of self-discovery and reflection, it’s important to remember that a great mission statement should resonate deeply within you and help to shape your decisions and actions. Keep in mind these key points when crafting your statement:

  • Be genuine and authentic
  • Keep it concise and focused
  • Reflect your core values and purpose
  • Use clear and inspiring language

As you work on your statement, be open to revising it over time. Your life experiences and evolving goals may call for adjustments, so ensure that it remains a relevant reflection of your aspirations. With your personal mission statement in hand, you can now approach your life and decisions with a sense of purpose and direction.

  • Effective Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace (Examples)
  • Core Values List: 150+ Awesome Examples of Personal Values

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55 Personal Mission Statement Examples

55 Personal Mission Statement Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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personal mission statement examples and definition, explained below

A personal mission statement defines your purpose. It explains what you want to achieve in your life, career, personal relationships, and so on.

It differs from a career or educational mission statement because it’s more holistic: it’s not just about your job or school. It’s about what you want to achieve with your life overall. and what your personal philosophy is in life .

Here is my personal mission statement:

“I will be generous with my time both with family and strangers. I will consciously and intentionally spend quality time with my parents, my wife, and my children. I will pass-on love of life and self-belief to my children by living as a positive example. I will commit my career to working on projects that are meaningful to me. And I will be responsible with my health and finances for the longevity of my life and to ensure I can care for my family for many years to come.”

When I was asked to write a personal mission statement for applying for my job as a teacher, I tweaked it to focus more on my career:

“My personal mission statement as a teacher is to inspire and support my students, help them see their own potential, and build them up each and every day. I will commit my time to letting each student know they are capable of success, and I will help show them the path to personal and academic success.”

Below is a range of ideas for a personal mission statement. As the mission statement is personal, I recommend using these ideas as inspiration, but make sure you pick and choose the sentiments that are meaningful to you, and write your own.

Personal Mission Statement Examples

The following examples can be used as stimuli for you to think about what you want to include in your own mission statement. But, as the word suggests, a personal mission statement should be personal and unique to you . So, pick and choose key ideas from below, while coming up with your own mission statement that reflects your uniqueness.

  • Live a life that aligns with my core values : “I will strive to live a life that is consistent with my own values and ethics. To achieve this, I will ensure I reflect every day on how my daily actions and interactions with others will reflect upon me, and whether they’re consistent with who I strive to be.”
  • Seek to be a catalyst for change: “I will dedicate my life to being a catalyst for change in my world. The change I want to see is change toward greater social equality, fairness, and prosperity. To achieve this, I will advocate for the disadvantaged, seek career opportunities for supporting the underprivileged, and donate generously to causes I care about.”
  • Commit to a journey of self-discovery: “My daily mission is to embark on an ongoing journey of self-improvement and self-discovery, always on track to find my deeper purpose in life.”
  • Empower myself and others: “I will always strive to empower myself and others through positive affirmation, constructive feedback, and making smart choices. I will remove barriers to self-determination and always respect people’s choices in life.”
  • Seek opportunities to give back to the community: “I am grateful first and foremost to my community for their support and nourishment, and my personal mission from here on out is to find opportunities where I can give back to my community in both my career and volunteerism.”
  • Strive for excellence in all endeavors: “ My credo is to always hold myself to a high standard. To me, this means always putting in maximum effort and trying to be the best I can be each and every day.”
  • Always have a growth mindset: “My core mission is to always maintain a growth mindset each and every day. For me, this means embracing challenges rather than shying away from them, having persistence and resilience when I face setbacks, and viewing effort as a pathway to mastery. “

chris

  • Aim to leave a meaningful legacy: “At the end of my life, I want to be able to look back and know that I’ve left a legacy for the world and my family. To achieve this, my mission will be to always give more to the world than I take, so I leave the world better off. I will leave a legacy of kindness and a spirit of service and community.”
  • Continually redefine personal goals and aspirations: “I believe that a person is most successful when they self-reflect to achieve ongoing improvement. So, in my personal mission, I am committed to the ongoing process of personal evolution that will help me continue to refine myself over time. “
  • Seek the silver lining: “The silver lining is the positive that we can extract out of every situation, even our failures. With this in mind, my mission is to cultivate optimism and to focus on what can be learned from every situation. This approach will both enhance my personal resilience and inspire others to adopt a similar perspective.”
  • Develop resilience, adaptability, and grit in the face of adversity: “My mission is to develop and embody qualities of resilience, adaptability, and grit. I am determined to approach adversity as an opportunity for growth, learning to navigate through challenges with grace and tenacity. In doing so, I will become stronger and more capable.”
  • To be generous with my time: “I will be generous with my time because I believe my time is the greatest gift I can give to others. This means I will commit to quality time with my friends and family and make sure I maintain a work-life balance so I can commit my time to the people who deserve it.”
  • Empowering people around me: “My mission is to empower the people around me, including my colleagues at work, my friends, and my family. By empowering others, I can bring out the best in my community, and leave my community a better place.”
  • Living with gratitude: “I will commit to expressing gratitude each and every day of my life. To do this, I will commit to meditating, reflecting on what I have, and being grateful for my health, wealth, and family.”
  • Develop wisdom : “My mission is to continue to develop wisdom. To me, wisdom is knowledge, intelligence, and insight developed through experience and humbly listening to people who have knowledge and experiences beyond mine.”
  • Seek authentic self-expression: “My mission is to express myself authentically , reflecting every day on how my words, actions, and creations align with my core values. This journey towards authenticity is ongoing and evolving, helping me understand and articulate who I truly am.”
  • Change what’s in my control: “I pledge to focus my energies on what I can control in my life. I will strive to change my circumstances when possible, and adapt my attitude when it isn’t. By understanding and accepting this distinction, I will bring about the most positive outcomes for myself and those around me.”
  • Creating harmony between mind-body-soul: “I am committed to fostering harmony between my mind, body, and soul. This means balancing mental challenges with physical exercise and spiritual nourishment, nurturing every part of my being, and achieving a healthier and more balanced life.”
  • Cultivate emotional intelligence : “I am committed to nurturing my emotional intelligence. This involves understanding my own emotions, demonstrating empathy, and adapting my attitude when necessary, leading to stronger and more effective personal and professional relationships.”
  • Foster innovative thinking: “My mission is to foster innovative thinking. I will strive to always question, explore, and reimagine the world around me, aiming to leave a legacy of creativity and change.”
  • Live sustainably and promote environmental consciousness: “I pledge to live sustainably, focusing my energies on what I can control to reduce my environmental impact. Moreover, I will advocate for environmental consciousness within my community, contributing to a healthier planet.”
  • Encourage diversity and inclusivity in my surroundings: “My mission is to promote diversity and inclusivity. I will strive to empower all voices and create an environment where everyone feels respected and valued, thereby fostering a sense of community and belonging.”
  • Be a mentor and guide to others: “I will dedicate my time to mentoring and guiding others. By sharing my wisdom and experiences, I can help others navigate their own journeys, leaving a legacy of kindness and service.”
  • Lead with integrity and honesty: “I am committed to leading with integrity and honesty in all endeavors. I will hold myself to a high standard, aligning my actions with my core values and striving for transparency in every interaction.”
  • Cultivate a balanced and peaceful lifestyle: “My mission is to cultivate a lifestyle that is peaceful and balanced. I will practice mindfulness, express gratitude for my blessings, and strive to find harmony between my personal, professional, and spiritual life.”
  • Maintain physical fitness and promote healthy living: “I pledge to maintain my physical fitness and promote healthy living in my community. I will strive to make smart choices regarding diet, exercise, and self-care, thereby embodying and promoting a vision of holistic health.”
  • A lifelong learning mindset: “With a commitment to growth and a spirit of exploration, I will always seek to broaden my knowledge and perspectives. Embracing challenges and viewing effort as a pathway to mastery, I believe learning is an ongoing journey, not a destination.”
  • Advocate for social justice and equality: “I am committed to advocating for social justice and equality. I will dedicate myself to being a catalyst for change, promoting fairness, and empowering the disadvantaged, contributing to a more equitable society.”
  • Practice mindfulness and presence in daily life: “My mission is to cultivate mindfulness and presence in my daily life. By committing to this practice, I will enhance my emotional intelligence, develop resilience, and foster a deeper connection to the world around me.”
  • Enhance personal and professional relationships: “I pledge to improve and deepen my personal and professional relationships. By demonstrating empathy, respect, and honesty, I will foster meaningful connections and contribute to a vibrant, supportive community.”
  • Invest in self-care and well-being: “My mission is to invest time and energy in self-care and well-being. Through this practice, I will ensure a balanced life, promote a positive mindset, and prepare myself to better serve others.”
  • Strive for financial independence and stability: “I am dedicated to achieving financial independence and stability. By making smart and informed decisions, I aim to create a secure foundation that enables personal growth , adventure, and service to my community.”
  • Foster a spirit of exploration and adventure: “I commit to embracing a spirit of exploration and adventure. By welcoming new experiences and fostering curiosity, I will maintain a lifelong learning mindset, and continually evolve as an individual.”
  • Practice empathy towards all: “My mission is to cultivate empathy in all my interactions. By striving to understand others’ perspectives, I will empower those around me and contribute to a community rooted in kindness and mutual understanding.”
  • Embrace change and maintain flexibility: “I am dedicated to embracing change and demonstrating flexibility. I see change as an opportunity for growth, and I will cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a positive attitude in the face of evolving circumstances.”
  • Nurture a positive and optimistic mindset: “My mission is to cultivate a positive and optimistic mindset. By seeking the silver lining in every situation, I aim to inspire myself and those around me to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.”
  • Advocate for the welfare and rights of animals: “My mission is to advocate for the welfare and rights of animals. I will use my voice and actions to promote humane treatment of animals, contributing to a more compassionate and ethical world.”
  • Make informed and responsible choices: “I pledge to make informed and responsible choices that align with my values and the greater good. I am committed to reflecting on the implications of my decisions and acting in a way that contributes positively to my community and the environment.”
  • Create meaningful connections with people: “I strive to create meaningful connections with people. Through empathy, open-mindedness, and genuine engagement, I aim to nurture relationships that enrich my life and the lives of others.”
  • Develop and demonstrate leadership skills : “My mission is to develop and demonstrate effective leadership skills. I strive to lead with integrity, empathy, and resilience, inspiring others to achieve their best and fostering a spirit of teamwork and mutual respect.”
  • Seek to understand and respect differing perspectives: “I pledge to understand and respect differing perspectives. I believe that diversity of thought enriches our society, and I strive to promote inclusivity and mutual respect in all my interactions.”
  • Foster creativity in myself and others: “My mission is to cultivate creativity in myself and others. I will continually explore new ideas, foster an environment that encourages innovation, and inspire those around me to express their unique perspectives and talents.”
  • Commit to the pursuit of knowledge: “I commit to the continuous pursuit of knowledge. By maintaining a curious and open mind, I strive to learn from every experience, deepen my understanding, and contribute to my personal and professional growth.”
  • Seek to find joy in the everyday : “My mission is to find joy in everyday moments. I commit to practicing mindfulness, expressing gratitude for the simple things, and cherishing each day as a unique gift.”
  • Be a source of encouragement and positivity: “I strive to be a source of encouragement and positivity for those around me. By uplifting others, celebrating their achievements, and offering supportive words, I aim to foster a more compassionate and optimistic community.”
  • Pursue a path of continuous learning and development: “I am dedicated to pursuing a path of continuous learning and development. By always seeking to improve, learn, and grow, I aim to better myself and contribute more effectively to my community and the world at large.”
  • Prioritize balance in all aspects of life: “I commit to prioritizing balance in all aspects of life. This includes fostering harmony between work and personal time, mental and physical health, and personal desires and community responsibilities, to cultivate a peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle.”
  • Strive to be a good listener and communicator: “I aim to be a good listener and communicator. By practicing active listening and clear, empathetic communication, I will strengthen my relationships and foster mutual understanding and respect.”
  • Cultivate and express artistic talents: “My mission is to cultivate and express my artistic talents. Through this creative exploration, I aim to express my unique perspectives, contribute to the cultural richness of my community, and inspire others to express their creativity.”
  • Strive to make a positive impact on the environment: “I am committed to making a positive impact on the environment. By living sustainably, advocating for environmental consciousness, and influencing positive change, I hope to leave a meaningful environmental legacy.”
  • Seek simplicity and contentment: “My mission is to seek simplicity and contentment in life. By valuing the essential, expressing gratitude for what I have, and finding joy in simple pleasures, I aim to cultivate a lifestyle of peace and fulfillment.”
  • Develop and foster a spirit of entrepreneurship: “I am dedicated to fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship. By embracing innovation, taking informed risks, and learning from both success and failure, I aim to contribute to economic growth and social impact.”
  • Strive for integrity in actions and communication: “I strive to uphold integrity in my actions and communication. By aligning my actions with my values, being transparent, and communicating honestly, I aim to build trust and respect in my personal and professional relationships.”
  • Embrace new technologies and innovation: “My mission is to embrace new technologies and innovation. By staying informed about technological advances and integrating them into my work and life, I aim to enhance productivity, creativity, and the quality of life for myself and my community.”
  • Cultivate and foster peace and harmony in relationships: “I am committed to fostering peace and harmony in my relationships. By promoting understanding, showing empathy, and resolving conflicts with grace, I aim to create strong, fulfilling, and respectful relationships.”
  • Advocate for responsible consumerism: “I pledge to advocate for responsible consumerism. By making informed choices, promoting sustainability, and encouraging others to do the same, I aim to contribute to a healthier planet and a more equitable economy.”
  • Care and provide for my family: “My mission is to care for and provide for my family. By being present, offering support, and ensuring their needs are met, I aim to create a nurturing and secure environment for my loved ones.”
  • Cultivate self-discipline and good habits: “I commit to cultivating self-discipline and good habits . By maintaining focus, setting realistic goals, and consistently pursuing them, I aim to achieve personal and professional growth.”
  • Influence others by my deeds: “I strive to influence others positively through my deeds. By acting with kindness, integrity, and respect, I aim to inspire others to do the same and contribute to a more compassionate and respectful community.”

See Also: How to Write a Values Statement

A personal mission statement for a resume needs to be personalized to you and your unique values and moral, goals, and life circumstances. You may also want to adjust it depending on the context in which you’re using it – i.e. if you’re asked to make a personal mission for work, then it’d likely incorporate elements of your job into it.

Also note that you’re always free to adjust your personal mission statement over time, so create one that’s true to you right now, but be willing to adjust it every few months.

Chris

  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
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Live Bold and Bloom

How To Write A Personal Mission Statement (And 28 Mission Statement Examples)

Do you have a personal mission statement ?

If not, you should.

Early in my career, I was inspired to create one when I worked in public relations for the JCPenney Company.

James Cash Penney, the founder of the once giant retailer, based his business philosophy on one simple personal mission statement: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you” — the Golden Rule.

In fact, his first store was called The Golden Rule.

This mission statement permeated every aspect of how Mr. Penney ran his business.

He asked for a “fair remuneration and not all the profits the traffic will bear,” and was the first to call employees “associates,” and he treated them like family.

During the stock market crash in the 1920's, Mr. Penney lost his personal fortune and took a loan against his life insurance in order to pay the associates' salaries.

What Is a Personal Mission Statement?

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One of my favorite quotes from Mr. Penney is this:

“Give me a stock clerk with a goal, and I'll give you a man who will make history. Give me a man with no goals, and I'll give you a stock clerk.”

Mr. Penney understood the value of having goals that reflect your mission and how they can change the course of your life.

His goals for himself and his company were grounded in his personal mission statement of the Golden Rule.

woman thinking, personal mission statement

Knowing his mission statement, it was much easier to build his business and remain focused.

Businesses create mission statements to provide purpose and direction for the organization.

But it's as vital for individuals to have a personal mission and a vision for themselves as it is for any business.

A personal mission statement is:

  • A tool for making difficult decisions.
  • A framework for how you want to live your life and express your life mission.
  • A beacon to those around you about the kind of person you are.
  • A declaration that motivates and inspires you to stay the course.
  • A statement of your values and life priorities.

Creating a personal mission statement forces clarity, helps you define a plan of action, and serves as the foundation for your life goals.

It also helps you identify the underlying reasons for your choices and behaviors and what truly motivates you to make positive change.

As the author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People , Stephen Covey, says your mission statement is about “defining the personal, moral and ethical guidelines within which you can most happily express and fulfill yourself.”

Writing down your mission statement on paper makes it real.

Your personal mission statement becomes your own personalized constitution — the basis for life-directing decisions, as well as making daily choices that impact you and those around you.

We put together a mission statement template (pdf) for you to download and print. 

Use the personal mission statement template to write your own clear and concise personal vision for yourself .

Click here to download the template now.

How To Write a Personal Mission Statement

Think of a person in history or in your life whom you admire.

What are the qualities of that person that you would like to emulate?

These qualities can relate to their character , values, achievements, personality , or simply the way they live their lives. 

Consider the specific reasons you admire the person and list those qualities in detail.

Define the type of person you want to become, not just what you want to have or achieve.

This ideal should reflect your core values and your definition of living with integrity.

person writing, personal mission statement

Consider all areas of your life, as a spouse, friend, employee, parent, etc. and who you want to be in each of those roles.

I find it helpful to write down the phrase, “As an ideal spouse (or friend, parent, etc.), I want to . . . .” Then fill in the end of the sentence with as many outcomes as you wish to become.

For example, you might write: As an ideal spouse, I want to:

  • Express my love daily in words, affection, and action;
  • Be supportive and attentive to my spouse's needs;
  • Work through conflict calmly and in the spirit of compromise;
  • Be fully present and emotionally intimate.

This exercise may take some time, but it is well worth the effort beyond its usefulness for your mission statement.

It helps you clarify your personal operating system and reminds you of what you are capable of becoming.

Determine all of your life roles (career, family, community, etc.), and write down a short statement of how you would like to be described in each of those roles.

Think about how you would like the important people in your life to remember you and talk about you.

For example, you might want your boss to say, “He was a man of character and integrity who was a compassionate and inspiring leader and a visionary for our organization.”

This exercise may feel awkward, but no one else has to see it.

It is to help you decide how you want to step into each of the roles in your life and to clarify in concise words how you want others to perceive you.

Write down a personal mission statement for the four fundamental elements of who you are: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

In each of these areas, what is the most important way you want to express yourself?

This may seem confusing, but it's really simple. We tend to go about our lives without considering our goals for our essential being and how we want to direct that ambition.

So with this exercise, see yourself as CEO of each of these four areas. As CEO of your physical life, your purpose might be to treat your body as sacred by practicing fitness, healthy eating, daily affection, and pleasurable physical experiences.

Your plan for your mental life might be to become a life-long learner by expanding your skills, problem-solving, and challenging yourself.

What are the talents and skills you possess that are most important to you and that you actually enjoy?

Part of your personal mission statement should reflect your best aptitudes and strengths, these are what create joy and energy in our lives.

When we spend our time on what we do well and enjoy, our lives not only have meaning but also it has vibrancy.

Make a list of all of your personal and professional talents, aptitudes, and skills — even those you may take for granted, like being a good friend or having the ability to organize well.

Then circle the skills you enjoy or find fulfilling. Focus on these.

Based on everything you outlined above, what are some related goals you want to achieve in your life? Goals are specific, measurable, achievable, results-focused, and time-bound.

As you look at the people who inspired you, the ideal self you've defined, the legacy you want to leave, the aspirations you have for the elements of your life, and the aptitudes you want to enjoy, what are the outcomes you want to achieve for your life?

You might want to create goals for various areas of your life — from your relationships to your hobbies.

Taking into account steps 1-6, begin to write a personal mission statement.

Keep it simple, clear and relatively brief — from a few sentences to a couple of paragraphs.

You can write it as a statement that flows or with bullet points. How you craft it is less important than what you want to express.

The point is you want a statement that will guide you in your day to day actions and decisions, as well as your long-term goals. Try to keep your words positive and affirmative . Focus on what you want rather than what you don't want.

Creating a mission statement is not something you do in a day. It does require introspection, self-analysis, clarity of mind, and often several drafts before you produce it in a final form.

It might take several weeks or even months before you feel really comfortable with your life mission statement. Feeling like your personal mission statement is complete and a concise expression of your innermost values and directions may take a few iterations.

Once you complete it, put it where you can review it daily so it motivates you to honor it in all of your actions and decisions.

You might need to revise it every few years as your life priorities change.

Personal Mission Statement Examples

Here are some personal mission statement examples from around the web. (Sources:  www.d.umn.edu , missionstatements.com , and  msb.franklincovey.com )

My mission is to act as an instrument of positive change in my family, my work and my community. I will utilize all of the talents that God has given me and will participate in all aspects of my life with energy, purpose and gratitude. I will utilize my talents in strategy and administration to ensure that my home is loving and calm, my workplace is productive and positive and my community is responsive and growing. Through this focus I will give more than I take and will provide a positive role model for my children.
My mission in life is to have my own family. I need to remember that what I do now in my life will affect them. Because of this, I try my best to do the right things that will benefit my future. I would someday like to have a large farm with horses where I can help handicapped children. I'd like to work with animals, perhaps even be a veterinarian. Most of all, I want to have time for my family. So today, I will study hard and stay away from things that may hinder my dream from happening .
To find happiness, fulfillment, and value in living, I will seek out and experience all of the pleasures and joys that life has to offer. My core values are not limitations restraining me on this hedonistic quest for fun. Rather, they provide a framework for identifying, pursuing, and achieving those pleasures that last the longest and are the most satisfying. The greatest joy of all is being worthy of the respect and admiration of family, friends, and business associates. 
To remember where I have been and where I will go through maintaining positive relationships with family and friends. To choose the ethical way by making a personal commitment to honesty and integrity. To find peacefulness within myself by looking inward while using my heart to guide my dreams and desires, and my mind to pursue knowledge, creating balance among all of my obligations. To content myself in my surroundings so I will always know where security lies within my life. To build a reputation of being dedicated to every goal I choose to pursue while having successes in both my personal and professional life. To enjoy every moment along this journey finding laughter, love, and happiness with each day that passes. 
To be humble. To say thanks to God in some way, every day. To never react to abuse by passing it on. To find the self within that does and can look at all sides without loss. I believe in treating all people with kindness and respect. I believe by knowing what I value, I truly know what I want. To be driven by values and beliefs. I want to experience life’s passions with the newness of a child’s love, the sweetness and joy of young love, and the respect and reverence of mature love. Finally, to go through life with a smile on my face and a twinkle in my eye.

Here are some additional mission statement examples we've crafted for you:

My mission is to live a life without resentment. I will use my mind and all my talents and skills to keep my life focused on gratitude, love, and forgiveness — to live my best life and to help others do the same. I have no room in my life for negative self-talk, grudges, or for pointless regret. Every morning, my goal is to take another step forward, keeping my mind and heart trained on the present and on the words, “Thank you,” I want everyone in my life to know exactly how they’ve made it better.
My mission in life is to exercise my freedom to think as I choose to think. I choose to see the good in every person and every situation, however painful. No one makes me think or feel anything; I am responsible for my thoughts and feelings, and I choose to remain free, no matter what happens to me. I choose gratitude over resentment and compassion over criticism. I choose hope over despair. I choose to make my life count for something far greater than the space and time it occupies.
My mission in life is to bring joy to others, whether by word or action. I’ll do whatever it takes to make my place in the world better for those I share it with. My life will continue a chain reaction that someone else started and that somehow (for some reason) reached me. I won’t be where it stops, and I'll show others how to keep it going. From me, the chain reaction will reach even more people, who will make it their mission to bring joy and compassion to as many souls as possible.

Here are some examples of short mission statements from famous people and organizations.

9. “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” — Maya Angelou

10. “To be a teacher. And to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be.” — Oprah Winfrey, Founder of OWN: the Oprah Winfrey Network

11. “I want to serve the people. And I want every girl, every child to be educated.” — Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Prize laureate and activist

12. “Improve lives. The concept of improving lives runs through the center of everything I do.” — Wil Smith, actor 

13. “To use my gifts of intelligence, charisma, and serial optimism to cultivate the self-worth and net-worth of women around the world.” — Amanda Steinberg, Dailyworth.com

14. “Our mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” — Google

15. “Build the best product. Cause no unnecessary harm. Use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” — Patagonia

16. “To accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.” — Tesla

17. “Help people perform better, think faster, and live better.” — Bulletproof

18. “Be the world’s favorite destination for discovering great value and unique selection.” — eBay

Here are some additional short mission statement examples we've created:

19. To create music that helps people struggling with mental illness to feel calm, loved, and in control. I will use my talent and skills to create medicine people can hear and feel. 

20. To write books that help others struggling with the same challenges to know they’re not alone and to know what actions to take to change their lives for the better. 

21. To open a shop that encourages every patron to bring more magic into their lives and to share it with others, with thoughtful and spirit-loving gift ideas.

22. To work as an inspired chef and to prepare meals that help the people in my community explore new flavors, new cultural recipes, and new perspectives.

23. To plant as many new, healthy trees as I can with the time I have and to inspire everyone to be responsible and loving stewards of the earth’s resources. 

24. To create a place where unwanted cats and dogs will be loved and cared for and where they can bring love to patrons who come in for a soothing drink or comfort food. 

25. To create a social media platform that runs on gratitude and compassion — with no room for negative attitudes , narrow mindedness, and self-centered criticism.

26. To be a therapist who makes my clients feel safe and strong enough to say anything, to dig deeper into their own thinking, and to love themselves just as they are.

27. To be a parent who helps my children love themselves, ask for help when they need it, and know what actions and words will help them reach their goals. 

28. To build a legacy that will benefit my children, grandchildren, and beyond and give each of them something good to build on when creating their own. 

Personal Mission Statement Generators

If you’re a fan of online quizzes, you might enjoy using a personal mission statement generator. Answer key questions and the generator uses them to create a clear and cohesive statement that reflects your highest values and goals. 

It’s similar to a mission statement template but is automated and available as either an internet-based tool (or mobile app) or a software download. 

Templates can be overwhelming because you see all the fields you need to fill out. And the thought of then gathering up your answers and distilling them into a powerful sentence or two is daunting enough without considering the time it’ll take to fill in all the blanks. 

A mission statement generator uses a gentler, more interactive approach to engage the user and get them through all the questions as painlessly as possible. 

  • The FranklinCovey Mission Statement Builder can help you create the following types — personal, family, team, and values-focused — with its free online tool. 
  • LifeCoachesToolbox.com has a Mission Statement & Elevator Speech Generator to help you establish your brand identity and clarify your goals. Choose between the free online version (with ads) or the ad-free download for $39. 

More Related Articles:

Positive Affirmations: 101 Life-Changing Thoughts To Practice Daily

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List Of 100 Life Goals To Achieve Before You Die

I hope this article motivates you to get started on your own mission statement.

Crafting this essential document can truly change your life, as it gives you self-defined boundaries and goals that set you on a course for success as you see it to be.

A personal mission statement is something everyone needs but only a few take the time to create — mostly because they don't know how.

Please take a moment to share this post on your preferred social media platform with family and friends who will definitely benefit from this information.

Your good deed can impact thousands of people around the world!

5 thoughts on “How To Write A Personal Mission Statement (And 28 Mission Statement Examples)”

How do I get a copy of Eight Steps to creating You Mission Statement?

Hello Barrie I wonder if you could help me. My daughter is a qaulified doctor, and the most gorgeous girl who has wonderful relationships with friends and family however since she met her boyfriend 4 years ago she has become a shadow of herself. Questioning who she is and deciding that she is the problem in their relationship and she is constantly changing to suit him however it doesn;t seem to be getting any better. She blames her past, not having a significant male figure in her life ; The problem is that her boyfriend is pushing her buttons and making her believe that he loves her and is reasonable and she is ending up the wreck. any advice on what I can do to help her. She says that he cried the other day and said he cant take her outbursts any longer. She got angry cause he stayed out all night and returned home in the morning. his excuse was that he didnt want to disturb her. Please help

Hi Deirdre, I’m so sorry your daughter is in such a difficult relationship. I know you are suffering for her as well. The problem isn’t her past, it’s her current decision to stay with someone who is emotionally abusive. You might suggest she read this post: https://liveboldandbloom.com/11/relationships/signs-of-emotional-abuse She also needs to meet with a counselor to discuss why she is staying in this relationship when it isn’t happy or healthy and how she can get strong again.

This is such a neat idea, and so very helpful. The one that truly got my attention is Consider Your Legacy. That really helps to re-frame our life’s picture, no? Thank you for this!

This is very helpful. Thank you for sharing.

Comments are closed.

Tchiki Davis, Ph.D.

How to Write a Personal Mission Statement

Tips for writing a declaration of your unique direction or purpose..

Posted June 23, 2021 | Reviewed by Chloe Williams

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  • A personal mission statement makes clear what one wants to do and how to do it, which can provide clarity on how to live a fulfilling life.
  • To gain clarity on their mission, people can ask themselves questions, such as what impact they want to have and what makes them feel alive.
  • People can also reflect on the values that drive them and their goals in the shorter and longer term, which should align with their mission.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

A personal mission statement is a written declaration of our unique direction or purpose. This statement makes it clear not just what you intend to do in this world, but how you intend to do it. It's sometimes just one sentence, but it can be as long as you want.

Each of us has our own unique core values , purpose, and desired direction, but often we don’t know exactly what they are. That’s why we can benefit from having a mission statement—something that gives us clarity about how we want to live our lives and ultimately achieve personal fulfillment and well-being. Writing a mission statement can help us get clear on our values and better understand whether we are spending our time in the best ways. It can also provide a sense of inner stability during times of change (Searight & Searight, 2011).

What’s Your Personal Mission?

Many of us have spent little time thinking about our personal mission in life. We're too busy dealing with immediate, urgent tasks to think about what we want to do in this life and where we want to end up. As a result, we might feel this low level of discontent—we know the way we are living our lives is not making us happy, but we’re not sure why. Thinking about our mission can be one way to begin to resolve this discontent.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself to explore your mission:

  • What impact do you want to have in the world?
  • How do you want to make an impact?
  • Who do you want to have an impact on?
  • What makes you feel most happy and alive?

Answering these questions can help you gain more clarity on your life’s mission. ​

Tip: Think of the End and Work Backward

Another way to gain more clarity on what you want to do in life is to think about the end of your life and what you hope to have accomplished. Then, work backward. Some people have suggested that we could imagine attending our own funeral. Think about what would be said in the eulogy and whether it reflects your values and personal goals (Searight & Searight, 2011). If you find that the eulogy of today's version of you isn't what you really want, clarify for yourself what you do want and consider how your mission statement may guide you to that end goal.

What Are Your Values?

Next, ask yourself, what are your values? That is, what are the underlying personality traits , beliefs, or experiences that drive you and make you feel like you?

Some values might be love, freedom, creativity , kindness , adventure, loyalty, etc...

Make sure that your mission reflects these values so that you don’t end up pursuing a goal in ways that are not a good fit for your values. This way, you'll have a better chance of feeling more fulfilled as you strive to achieve your mission.

What Are Your Goals?

In addition to your values, it can be helpful to get even more clear on your goals. It can be easy to focus on short-term goals, but thinking about medium-term and long-term goals can help you make sure your short-term goals don’t lead you astray.

Ask yourself a few quick questions about your goals:

  • What do you want to have accomplished in one year? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years?
  • Where do you want to be in one year? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years?
  • How do you want to be spending your time in one year? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years?

Take a moment to think about your short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals like a pathway. Ask yourself, how will your current goals lead to medium-term goals, and how will those lead to your longer-term goals?

Write Your Personal Mission Statement

Sometimes a personal mission statement is just one sentence. In that case, it could be:

To do [X Action] for [Y group of people] to [have Z impact] with [optional: other details].

It’s okay to revise, rewrite, or make it longer. For most of us, creating a personal mission statement takes some work. This process doesn't have to be a "one and done." In fact, it is quite common for personal mission statements to change and evolve over time, just as we do (Li, Frohna, & Bostwick, 2017).

Adapted from an article published by The Berkeley Well-Being Institute .

Tchiki Davis, Ph.D.

Tchiki Davis, Ph.D. , is a consultant, writer, and expert on well-being technology.

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70 Personal Mission Statement Examples

A personal mission statement is the most powerful tool that motivates you to accomplish your life goals.

It helps you identify, create, and conform to your values and goals. You get to broaden your perspectives, define the things that matter most to you, and base your everyday decisions on these things. It helps you to align your decisions with what you aspire to in life.

Although it may take a while to come up with a definitive mission statement , once you have one, you’ll be able to define your goals, values, beliefs, and eventual success. It will be there to guide your decisions and stay on course when meeting your goals.

In this post, we will take you through the benefits of having a personal mission statement, how to write it, and examples to use for inspiration.

Keep reading.

Also Read : Vision vs Mission Statement – Difference & Examples

Benefits of a Personal Mission Statement

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Source: RODNAE Productions from Pexels

While growing up, we carry the values and beliefs that were instilled upon us by our parents, guardians, or society.

At a certain point in life, we need to walk alone and forge our own values, goals, beliefs, and purposes based on what we deem important to use. The self-discovery process helps us realize who we are and the potential we can reach individually.

By creating a personal mission statement, you’ll realize your talents, skills, strengths, and other attributes you never knew you had. In this way, you’ll become mindful of what you’ve become or achieved.

Later on, as you move on in life, you’ll be able to refer to this statement whenever you want to make a significant life decision. It will be a reliable pointer that will help you know what to do, how to do it, and when to implement your decision.

It is the roadmap that will help you maneuver through life and you need it for direction and focus.

Explore : Goal vs Objective 

Steps to Writing a Personal Mission Statement

Jotting your personal mission statement solidifies your life purpose, goals, beliefs, and values.

So when working on it, you have to keep these things in mind.

Of course, there are templates you can use, but making it personal and authentic should come from deep within you. With our guidance, you’ll create your very own mission statement based on what you truly want.

Here are steps to get you started.

1. Identify Your Purpose and Value

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Source: Magda Ehlers from Pexels

What is your purpose and what value do you want to create? Do you have a dream big enough to drive your purpose and value?

If you can write down the attributes that make you who you are and your priorities, you’ll be able to come up with powerful values that will power your main purpose.

2. Choose Your Target

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Source: Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Is it you? Children? Women? The elderly, less fortunate, or everyone? What is your personal mission statement all about? Who will you focus on helping?

Note the target recipients you want to use your talents on. Doing this will help sharpen your personal focus even more.

Check Out : Inspirational Teamwork Quotes for the Workplace

3. Pinpoint Your Superpower

What are you good at? My superpower is detailing complex things with utmost clarity for people to understand better. Your strengths might be in doing compassionate work, designing, healing, exploring, problem-solving, or teaching.

Put together all your personal and professional skills, aptitudes, and talents. Include everything, even those attributes you often overlook, like being well organized or a good friend and confidant.

You should be able to note your strong points in order to set your goals and priorities straight.

4. What are Your Needs?

This is the most important step in your personal mission statement – what you really want for yourself. You should never skimp on your personal needs. Like Richard Branson, you may just want to explore, learn, and have some fun too.

So whether you’re focused on helping other people throughout your career or life, try to put aside some time for your self-fulfillment.

5. Don’t Forget Your Goals

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Source: Anna Tarazevich from Pexels

After outlining your values, purpose, target, superpower, and needs, it’s time to link your goals. What do you want to achieve?

Remember, the goals should be super specific, results-focused, achievable, measurable, and time-bound.

As you reflect, think about what inspires you, your self-definition and aspirations, the aptitudes you expect to enjoy, the outcomes of your decisions, and the legacy you wish to leave behind.

You have to create goals for each aspect of your life – from your career, social life, relationships, family, to your interests and hobbies, and more.

Also Read : Motivational Sales Quotes

6. Put Your Mission Statement in Print

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Source: Abdouj from Pixabay

With the five steps above, you’ll have a strong list of items to include in your mission statement. Your piece should be a healthy mixture of imagination, realism, and fulfillment. All this is possible as long as you focus on what inspires and fulfills you.

Take time to review your goals, values, beliefs, and life direction (including your career). Make the necessary adjustments to get a clear, realistic picture of what you really want.

That being said, let’s check out some of the best personal mission statement examples below.

Our Top 70 Best Personal Mission Statement Examples

Congratulations! Now you know how to craft an excellent mission statement for yourself.

Just to inspire you further, we’ve listed the best mission statement examples to borrow from.

Check this out:

Leadership Personal Mission Statement Examples

1. To encourage forward-thinking and innovative ideas that will help my teams create technology solutions that will help improve people’s lives.

2. To provide inspiration and support to colleagues through leadership and expertise.

3. To be a contributing team leader to my team and organization. I aim to become an indispensable employee who helps make the organization’s most important decisions.

Also Read : Best Executive Summary Examples

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Source: fahribaabdullah14 from Pixabay

Professional And Social Mission Statement Examples

4. To implement ethical principles in my profession that will ensure total honesty and truthfulness among all employees. I will reform the industry and encourage everyone to do the same for the business’s success.

5. To offer the most outstanding customer service ever seen in my industry and build a list of loyal customers who will help me rise to the industry’s top. This will give me a chance to give back to those who held my hand as I ascended the ladder.

6. To discover a life-changing idea that will forever transform my career and the lives of other people.

7. To be the highest paid personal development coach globally with sophisticated programs that will bring in a stream of revenue while helping millions of people transform their lives.

8. To increase every woman’s net worth and help them achieve financial independence. This will prevent them from plunging deeper into debt by investing in profitable ventures that will turn them into millionaires.

9. To positively impact the lives of young girls by teaching them proper and efficient money management techniques.

10. To boost my knowledge in local business and become the most popular business consultant in the region, attracting valuable clients who want to benefit from my knowledge.

Explore : Weaknesses List & Examples

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Source: StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay

11. To become the most successful vlogger and social media influencer with information/posts that attract a massive following.

12. To build the world’s most sustainable energy provider and play a significant role in fighting global warming and other effects of climate change. I want my company to be a beacon of hope that people can look up to.

13. To create a positive change as a recruitment consultant by helping my clients to improve their hiring processes.

14. To become the highest-paid SEO expert by developing an SEO tool that saves people a lot of time and money. I will be the one to build a next-generation SEO tool that will be used by many.

Individual Mission Statements Examples

15. To have my very own family and fulfill my obligations to the family I have. My goal is to do things right, invest in our future, and make time to spend with them. I will be a role model to my family.

16. To use my passion for animals to invest in a horse ranch that will help disabled children in my area.

17. To be an instrument of change at home, the workplace, and the community as a whole. I will use my God-given talents to raise a loving family, stay productive at work, and help grow a responsive community.

Explore : Strengths & Weaknesses Examples For Job Interview

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Source: Alexas Fotos from Pixabay

18. To maintain positive relationships with commitment, integrity, and honesty, be it with family, friends, or colleagues. I will pursue knowledge that will help me balance my obligations in life and dedicate my time to pursuing each of my goals until I succeed.

19. To find value, fulfillment, and happiness in living by identifying, pursuing, and achieving my goals without any restraints or limitations.

20. To live a life free from resentment. I will focus my skills and talents to focus on love, forgiveness, and gratitude while helping those close to me do the same.

21. To bring joy to everyone around me through encouragement and help. I will focus my time on making someone’s life better, showing them how to move on through compassion.

22. To utilize my intelligence to improve and benefit others. To use my knowledge, logical thinking, and wisdom to do good and help other people overcome their burdens and reach their true potential.

23. To be able to balance my work, social life, and personal responsibilities and ensure a stress-free life. I’ll have ample time for relaxation while pursuing my personal goals and ensuring my overall well-being.

24. To improve my life by achieving personal success, including living a healthy lifestyle, enhancing my career, and building a family.

Also Read : Students’ Strengths & Weaknesses Examples

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Source: Marily Torres from Pexels

25. To take charge of my life, decisions, career, and every other aspect of my life. I will live the life I choose for myself and be able to explore my capabilities.

26. To be a better version of myself by overcoming all the challenges that come my way.

27. To strive to make better decisions that will help me live a better life. I will learn how to make difficult choices without procrastinating.

28. To become courageous and outgoing by looking at the bright side of things. Optimism will help me anticipate the best in life.

Also Read : Best Impromptu Speech Tips

Students’ Personal Mission Statement Examples

29. To put my studies first, above everything else. It will help keep my grades in check, helping me advance and achieve my career goals .

30. To set my personal life aside and focus on achieving my goals regarding my education and building a solid career for myself.

31. To stay true to my values against peer pressure and the desire to fit in within the school environment amidst the challenges I may likely face.

32. To chase my personal dreams without relying on anyone. I will not stop to divert my attention to other people if it means ignoring my own dreams. I will learn to say no and instead focus on enhancing my self-confidence and esteem.

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Source: The Lazy Artist Gallery from Pexels

33. To live life to the fullest based on my rights, honesty, and truthfulness. I will be different as I strive to make a difference in the world.

34. To emulate successful individuals so I can achieve my personal goals. I will implement lessons that successful people impart to achieve the best outcomes in life.

35. To adopt and practice learning behaviors that will ensure my success. I will instill in me values like self-discipline, goal setting, achievement, hard work, and more to be a better, purposeful person.

36. To work towards achieving my goals so I can do greater things with my life achievements. I will keep being ambitious and chase after my set goals until I am content.

37. To focus on doing right by making the right decisions, however difficult they may be. This will be my guide to a better life after completion of my studies.

38. To help people get what they want so I can also get what I want.

39. To achieve personal success by establishing habits that drive success. Through discipline, I will be able to achieve both long and short term goals.

Check Out : Best Thank You Messages For Boss

Teachers Personal Mission Statement Examples

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40. I will work harder and smarter to improve myself and receive recognition.

41. To make a difference in the children’s lives by enhancing their literacy levels. I aim to eradicate illiteracy in the community and help the kids become essential adults in the future.

42. To minimize burnout during working hours by managing my work-life balance. It will help me pursue my other goals besides teaching. I will work to eliminate stress from my life and reach a point of equilibrium.

43. To stop postponing major decisions and become proactive when making my career decisions. I will get done what needs to be done without relying on anyone to give me a push.

44. To find better ways to complete tasks faster by working efficiently towards achieving more. I will continuously improve my efficiency to earn recognition as the best teacher, which will help to get me promoted.

45. To make learning a freely available commodity to students, regardless of their economic background or living standards. I will be part of the team that will create a system to enable students to acquire knowledge freely and soar higher to reach their dreams.

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Source: Kampus Production from Pexels

46. To search through various steps and break barriers that hold back students from achieving their full potential. I will find more innovative ways that will help them do things differently as they climb the learning ladder. I will also be the role model they look up to for inspiration.

47. To help students perceive learning as fun and they look forward to experiencing the joy of learning.

General Personal Mission Statements

48. To inspire and motivate people to live a mentally, spiritually, and physically healthy life with more peace and contentment.

49. To develop functional technology that will help improve the quality of life of many people across the world.

50. To instill confidence and self-love into people around me and give them self-efficacy that will help them excel in life by making their dreams come true.

51. To work on behalf of the children while providing the much-needed resources to help them stay healthy and prosperous.

52. To personify my values, including compassion, hard work, empathy, forgiveness, and kindness, so that I can lead by example.

53. To use my music to inspire and bring joy to many who are oppressed or unhappy.

Also Read : Best Short & Sweet Follow-up Email Samples After Interview

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Source: ELEVATE from Pexels

54. To appreciate my family every chance I get by making decisions while prioritizing their best interests.

55. To be part of creating a company culture that appreciates all workers to make them feel inclusive and part of its success. This will not only increase productivity but will also motivate them to work as a family.

56. To live each day as if it were the last by appreciating, learning, and growing with every experience I gain.

57. To put in more effort, discipline, and hard work in order to excel and become the best at what I do.

58. To create technologically enhanced communication devices that will do all the work while allowing users to spend quality time with their loved ones one-on-one.

59. To provide legal services to people to help reduce any social injustices and many other disparities that exist in the community.

60. To teach people in society the importance of nutrition and the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle and show them ways to achieve and maintain this lifestyle.

61. To provide affordable healthcare and hope for a better, healthier life to those who are suffering from lack of money and resources within society.

Also Read : Best Short Professional Bio Examples

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Source: Edward Jenner

62. To develop/produce products, materials, or services that will help women and girls achieve and maintain high and healthy self-esteem.

63. To empower the young men in society by providing resources that will help them overcome educational, socioeconomic, racial, and political injustices and barriers.

64. To participate in creating and enacting laws that will help reduce cases of domestic violence in children and women.

65. To help make life better for individuals with special needs by taking part in initiatives that foster strength, recognition, and inclusivity.

66. To be a caring parent who provides for their children, teaching and showing them that success is being the best at what you do while treating everyone the way you desire to be treated. Doing what pleases you and those around you is what matters most.

67. To join other like-minded people in making sure the world has infrastructure that improves the quality of life of everyone in the community.

68. To ensure the transportation system around the region is reliable, accessible, and safe for everyone, including those who are abled differently. This will also help to provide the right products to consumers on time.

Explore : Professional Twitter Bio Examples

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Source: Elena Saharova

69. To share my art across the world and let it become an outlet for other artists to express their true feelings and vulnerabilities. With my art, I will be able to entertain, teach, and inspire people and make them feel heard, understood, and supported.

70. To serve in a role that will help me identify people who are vulnerable and help them acquire resources that will fulfill their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

In Conclusion

Writing your personal mission statement is like creating a guide that will help you streamline your decision-making. It keeps you focused on the most important aspects of your life, including your career, family, and general life goals.

When torn between options, you’ll be able to choose one that inspires success just by searching deeper into your mission statement.

From these examples, we are sure you’ll find the inspiration you need to create a tailored personal mission statement to get you going. Craft the most inspiring piece and place it somewhere accessible so you can refer to it frequently as you assess yourself and your goals.

personal life mission essay

Tom loves to write on technology, e-commerce & internet marketing. I started my first e-commerce company in college, designing and selling t-shirts for my campus bar crawl using print-on-demand. Having successfully established multiple 6 & 7-figure e-commerce businesses (in women’s fashion and hiking gear), I think I can share a tip or 2 to help you succeed.

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How to Write a Personal Mission Statement

5 Min Read | Aug 29, 2024

Ken Coleman

You’ve probably seen mission statements everywhere, like walls in company lobbies and inside promotional brochures.

Mission statements define a business or organization’s identity and purpose, and they can go a long way to help a company create a vision for the future.

But did you know you can have a mission statement too? This is called a  personal mission statement , and it could be exactly what you need to identify your goals and find the motivation to accomplish them.

If you don’t already have a personal mission statement, there’s no time like the present to write one. Let’s dive into learning why it’s important and how to write a personal mission statement.

What Is a Personal Mission Statement?

A personal mission statement defines who you are as a person (or as a team member where you work) and identifies your purpose—whether that’s on the job or simply in life. It explains where you see yourself in the future, how you plan to pursue that purpose , and why it matters so much to you.

People fail at what they hope to achieve because they lack clear goals and focus. They get distracted and lose sight of their purpose and who they were made to be. In other words, they ignore their personal mission statement. But a successful person will have a rock-solid vision spelled out in their personal mission statement.

Author and career coach Dan Miller says a good mission statement should include three things:

  • Your skills and abilities (what you like to do)
  • Your personality traits (how you operate)
  • Your values, dreams and passions (why you want to excel)

That’s it! It should be just one or two sentences long and say—in simple terms—exactly what you’re all about without any lofty principles tacked on.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, store manager, college student, business executive or truck driver, crafting a personal mission statement will serve you well in life. Everyone should have one. 

Why a Personal Mission Statement Is Useful

A personal mission statement is important because it helps you focus on your character and figure out  how to meet your long-term goals . It’s like a guidepost for where you want to go in life and who you want to be.

A personal mission statement keeps you from wandering off track. For example, if a decision you’re considering doesn’t fit in the picture of your personal mission statement, you shouldn’t follow through with it. Something may be a cool idea or interesting opportunity, but that doesn’t mean you need to commit to it or even bring it into your life. On the other hand, having a personal mission statement can help you know when it’s time to make a change or take that leap.

I love a good sports visual, so think of it this way: A good mission statement marks what’s in bounds or out of bounds. If your passion is teaching, is it really in the bounds to work a job that doesn’t involve sharing information with people? Be realistic here, and don’t set yourself up for failure.

New! Get Clear Career Assessment: Find the Work You’re Wired to Do

New! Get Clear Career Assessment: Find the Work You’re Wired to Do

Writing a personal mission statement seems pretty straightforward. But to do it well, it actually requires a lot of effort and thoughtfulness to create. So take some time to think about and write down how each of Miller’s three areas apply to you. That lays a good foundation for crafting your mission statement.

Want to build a non-anxious life? Learn how in Dr. John Delony’s new book.

Think about your life principles and goals . Why did you set these goals? How do your goals make you a better person or help you improve your career ? The personal mission statement should answer these questions in 50 words or less, so try to get to the heart of who you are and leave out unnecessary details. Don’t worry if your statement doesn’t mirror someone else’s—every statement should be unique because no two people are the same.

Putting Your Personal Mission Statement to Use

Once you have a written mission statement, start using it. Frame it and put a copy in your home or office so you see it often. You want to surround yourself with your own positive attitude.

Not only should you live according to your personal mission statement, but it’s also important that others know about it. You want people to know you’ll live up to what you wrote, so spread the news. Accountability from those closest to you will help you stick to it.

Personal Mission Statement Examples

Speaking of letting people know, our mission statement here at Ramsey Solutions is posted throughout the building, and every team member is required to know it like the back of their hand. It’s why we exist. It goes like this:

“We provide biblically based, commonsense education and empowerment that give HOPE to everyone in every walk of life.”

But that’s a business mission statement. Personal mission statement examples will look a little bit different. Here are a few examples of personal mission statements from successful CEOs in business:

  • “I want to be a teacher. And to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be.” — Oprah Winfrey
  • “To have fun in [my] journey through life and learn from [my] mistakes.” — Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group
  • “To use my gifts of intelligence, charisma, and serial optimism to cultivate the self-worth and net-worth of women around the world.” — Amanda Steinberg, founder of DailyWorth

And here are a few other mission statements from some well-known nonprofits:

  • “Inspiring hope and promoting health through integrated clinical practice, education and research.” — Mayo Clinic
  • “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.” — Habitat for Humanity
  • “PBS empowers individuals to achieve their potential and strengthen the social, democratic, and cultural health of the U.S.” — Public Broadcasting System (PBS)

Take the Next Steps in Writing Your Personal Mission Statement

Ready to start working on your own personal mission statement? Having your purpose written down will add value and productivity to your life, so get started today.

  • Then, let the mission statement writing begin. Brainstorm your values and goals to get started. Don’t worry if your first drafts are a little messy!
  • Ask people who know you best for their input. Are your values and goals true for you? Having someone proofread your mission statement can make it even better.
  • Check out my Get Clear Career Assessment. It’s all done online, so you can take the test and get your results instantly.

Did you find this article helpful? Share it!

Ken Coleman

About the author

Ken Coleman

Ken Coleman is the author of the national bestselling book From Paycheck to Purpose and the #1 national bestseller The Proximity Principle. He hosts The Ken Coleman Show, a caller-driven show that helps listeners find the work they’re wired to do. Ken also co-hosts The Ramsey Show, the second-largest talk radio show in America, and makes regular appearances on Fox News and Fox Business. Through his speaking, broadcasting and syndicated columns, Ken gives people expert advice, providing strategic steps to get clear on their unique purpose and grow professionally. Learn More.

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LifeHack

Goal Getting

How to write a personal mission statement (a step-by-step guide).

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As an experiment, I asked several friends, “what do you stand for?” It was surprising how hard it was for some people to answer.

According to positive psychology, to live a meaningful and fulfilling life, you must cultivate what is best within yourself. To optimize your personal and professional life, you must visualize your future plans and place them against your current standing.

What better way to strategize your life goals than writing a personal mission statement?

Writing a personal mission statement might feel like a chore initially. Still, it has far-reaching effects that can change the way you look at yourself as a person capable of balancing between personal and professional aspirations.

You will never know where you are heading unless to assess what you have now that you can leverage in your current situation to advance where you are heading and what you seek to achieve.

The Search For Meaning

The author Emily Estaphani Smith, who has extensively studied happiness, says,

“Our culture is obsessed with happiness, but what if there’s a more fulfilling path? Happiness comes and goes, but having meaning in life — serving something beyond yourself and developing the best within you — gives you something to hold onto.”

Smith holds meaning upon four pillars: belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence.

  • Belongin g – Being a part of something.
  • Purpos e- the reason for which something is done or exists.
  • Storytelling – The story you tell yourself about yourself.
  • Transcendence – Feeling connected to something vast and much more significant than yourself.

Watch this video for a more detailed explanation of Emily Estaphani Smith’s four pillars of meaning here:

These four pillars might not mean much to someone who lacks clarity in life, but to someone conscious of their choices and consequent results, they can serve as foundational blocks to personal and professional success.

The first step is going deeper into these concepts for a thorough self-examination.

Be Honest With Yourself

They say, “Honesty is the best policy,” but according to Judi Ketteler, the lies we tell ourselves are often more harmful than the lies we tell others. In her most recent book, Would I Lie to You? Ketteler examines how we lie about accomplishments; whether you inflate your abilities, leave things out, or cushion the full impact of honesty, many moments in life start with a lie.

If you wish for something to be true, the concept of “motivated reasoning” is an easy way to reach a particular conclusion and use that desire to guide your thinking.

These lies, according to psychology, are what impact our self-perception and attitude. When self-image (how you think you are) and ideal self (what you want to be like) are juxtaposed upon each other, we get these corners peeking out from everywhere called areas of fabrication. Interesting, isn’t it?

There are lies to our self-perception , regardless of whether they are used to overestimate or underestimate our capabilities!

A personal mission statement is an honest review of oneself, highlighting those very areas of fabrication that manipulate our assessment of the self and ultimately harm the potential we hold to make an impact. This step will shape the way you think about yourself, ensuring your personal mission statement isn’t just based on your perceived self.

Take a Double-Take at Your Mission, Vision, and Core Values

We all have goals in life; some are immediate, while others are long-term. Regardless of their immediacy, they hold value in our lives and determine our decision-making process.

Life goals allow for new ideas to be born in our minds and act as the foundation for innovation and creativity.

These goals, or missions, give us a vision for the world that helps us create our core values. Mission, vision, and core values are three interdependent and coterminous concepts that maintain the cycle of activity in our life. And guess the biggest obstacle in their smooth functioning? It’s our lack of focus.

Steven H. Cady, in a journal article [1] on mission, vision, and values statements, brings to light how individuals are more concerned with articulating the message instead of actualizing its insights. Our tendency to focus on the wrong things dumps us in unpleasant situations, which is exactly why we need to shift our attention to what’s needful instead of what’s attractive.

Ask yourself: Do your actions align with what you claim? Does the output tally with the input?

Whether you are a businessperson or somebody looking for valuable advice in life, searching for the answers to such questions will help you locate the areas of fabrication in your mission-vision-values cycle. Between what you think is happening and what you wish for to happen, you will discover what is actually happening!

Think of Your Ambition as a Rocket Ready for Take-Off

In almost every situation of your life, whether at work, at home, or with friends, your job is to create value that is not apparent. If you find your mission, vision, and core values too bland, a company called Brand Foundations provides an updated framework [2] — It’s called purpose, way, and impact.

  • Purpose: What is your goal?
  • Way: How will you reach it?
  • Impact: Why is it needed?

Your purpose must reflect a deeper understanding of the spaces you occupy as an individual by locating their problems. Next, you should be able to provide solutions to those problems by reflecting values based on things’ practical and philosophical nature. And finally, the impact needs to exhibit the sensitivity you possess to accommodate the diversity of thought and action in your proposal that does not fade away after your speech or presentation ends.

Ask yourself:

What am I trying to achieve from this initiative? How am I going to make this idea actionable? Why am I doing this?

Writing a personal mission statement, with an upgraded touch, can add depth to your plan of action. The more you have answers to fundamental questions, the sharper your focus will be; doing so can help you discover your blind spots and overcome them.

Define Your Simple Marketing Promise

Once you have articulated your purpose, way, and impact, it’s time to complete this three-sentence marketing promise from Seth Godin that connects what’s important to you with what’s important to others (your audience).

  • My product is for people who believe _____________.
  • I will focus on people who want ________________.
  • I promise that engaging with what I make will help you get__________.

This statement is anything but easy and if you do it right, it will take you a week or so of refining until it starts to sing!

Here’s mine:

  • My product is for people who are curious about their full potential.
  • I will focus on talented people who are open to personal and professional growth but aren’t sure how.
  • I promise to use my candor, experience, & network, to guide you in building an action plan for your life and career.

What’s Your Movement?

As individuals, professionals, and entrepreneurs, a movement can be your reality IF you choose to prioritize it. Whether you are focused on financial inclusion, gender equality, or helping build up necessary skills in underserved communities, you can and should define your movement based on what gets you excited.

A movement can be a full-time job or a hobby after your day job. Either way, it is critical to define what it is and what you plan to do with it, or else you will never be able to measure your progress.

My movement is my company, Your Brand Coach. Your Brand Coach applies my diverse skills as a career corporate digital marketer, an entrepreneur, and a coach to help people understand what makes them tick and translate it into a real business or an actionable plan to connect your passion with your vocation. Seeing people receive clarity and a concrete plan from my workshops drives me to continue to evolve my movement and offerings.

Align Your Movement With Your Identity

There are three facets of a business that you must maintain to build a sharp brand image: Identity, Platform, and Movement.

Identity sets the foundation for having a crystal clear vision of who you are.

The platform (or channel) is the method you choose to establish your identity and share your message with your target audience. It could be your website, a social media handle, or simply a physical presence. Once you realize and form your business identity, it is essential to meticulously strategize how you will be approaching your customers on your platform.

And then comes your movement that acts as the icing on the top, enriching the customer experience. Your movement, presented as a promise, builds a deep connection with the audience.

Just like identity, your personal or company’s movement is also something that needs to be registered and organized by the self. You cannot perceive your movement (or come up with one) without truly understanding who you are and how your value and values resonate with your customers.

What are you waiting for?

According to social media today, here are the seven steps you can follow:

  • Step 1: Know your movement. Know those you wish to target and what action you want them to take.
  • Step 2: Get educated. What would be the concerns about people starting the movement?
  • Step 3: Make it popular.
  • Step 4: Rally the troops.
  • Step 5: Set up communication.
  • Step 6: Get noticed.
  • Step 7: Keep on showing up!

Bottom Line

Connecting your vision, plans, and actions with psychology helps gain a deeper understanding of your skills and plan of action. To understand what goes on around you, it is imperative to figure out what goes inside your head. And most often, we are unaware of what we truly desire and are capable of!

Writing a personal mission statement is like looking within to discover how you can impact what surrounds you. I hope this article helps you channelize your inner strengths and desires, productively!

More On Purpose And Meaning Of Life

  • How To Connect Passion and Purpose For Fulfillment In Life
  • What Is the Meaning of Life? A Guide to Living With Meaning
  • How to Find Purpose in Life and Make Yourself a Better Person

Featured photo credit: Darius Bashar via unsplash.com

[1]^Steven H. Cady:
[2]^Brand Foundations:

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  • Life Purpose

These 21 Personal Mission Statement Examples are Powerful Reasons for Being

Brian Wright

Mission statements – What are they, how do you write one, why, and what are some personal mission statement examples you can use for inspiration?

But first – Why bother?

The people you look up to all over social media. The entrepreneurs, the people doing “big things”.

They’ve all got personal mission statements that they live their lives by.

A mission statement is a journey of self discovery. They’re not wishy washy wastes of time – they’re the “know thyself” that you need to really live your life like your on a mission.

  • Missions do big things
  • missions give you faith,
  • they give you motivation,
  • and transform you into an unstoppable force.

People who have personal mission statements walk a bit head first into life with confidence, certainty and an “I’m gonna kick your ass” attitude.

The problem is, you have to dig deep to know what kind of mission you’re on.

curious about writing your personal mission statement

Questions arise like:

  • Do I choose the mission?
  • Does the mission choose me?
  • How do I make others care about my mission?
  • I don’t even know what I want my mission to be? How do I create a vision for it?

But nobody ever showed us how to create our own personal vision – and that’s a problem.

So in this post I’ll show you exactly how I radically transformed my life and business by digging deep and fashioning my own personal mission.

But first…

What is a (Personal) mission statement?

A good mission statement distills what you are, how you want to be seen, and who/what matters to you into a palatable and nutritious master plan that (ideally) will not fail.

What is a good mission statement?

A good mission statement takes a vision and turns it into an action plan. 

Example of a mission statement : My mission is to mitigate the trade offs of my country’s view on capitalism by being generous to the homeless and poor, and educating companies on how to maintain honor and integrity in a world that wants them to pander for popularity and revenue.

Example of a bad mission statement: I want to make my country a better place. (more of a generic desire than an actual mission)

What should a personal mission statement say anyway? Think about this conversation between Cody Lundin and Joe Teti from the show Dual Survival (one of my favorite shows to watch and re-watch).

“How much preparation goes into planning a mission” – Cody

“Weeks. Sometimes months.” – Joe

Joe was in the military. You wont need to spend months preparing a mission statement but you should take it that seriously . This is what you’ll be spending your life doing.

The best examples of a personal mission statement will have the following as their key components :

  • Your Core Identity
  • The impact you leave on the world
  • Your mission as a whole

Your mission statement is what you do each day ( short-term goals ) to reach the end result that you would like to see someday (long-term effect). A personal mission statement is not only your GPS guidance system, but it serves as a reference point for all the decisions you make in life.

We use mission statements to be the deciding factor when it comes to making basic and strategic decisions.

  • they’re who you want to become
  • who you imagine yourself to be
  • embody your world philosophy and how you see yourself

In a world where you have endless options that could occupy your time, getting results in your personal growth requires that your actions be effective , and a personal mission statement gives you a map for doing so.

Mission statements are:

  • A strategy for getting the results you want in life
  • A map that shows you how to reach the summit of your dreams
  • A story you tell about the impact and mark you will leave on the world
  • Your guide for saying “yes” and “no” in a sea of endless options

Read : Mission statements are not the same as Vision Statements!

What are the 3 parts of a mission statement?

The three main components of a mission statement are your vision (as an action step), the group you help, and the problem you solve for that group.

What is a Good Mission Statement Example?

“My/Our mission is to aid health care workers achieve a balance between work and life so that their own health doesn’t suffer while they aid others.”

Personal Mission Statement Example’s

“I’m meant to be a factual, focused and organized person . My mission in life is to bring structure and foundation to third world countries so they may stop being so exploited by the first world . Also, to help  people with no sense of direction in life find a path that will create stability where they can thrive. “

personal mission statement examples 21

“I’m an intuitive, giving, insightful and creative person, and my mission in life is to  help companies and organizations in the world gain insight into the problems they’re having when the normal strategies don’t work . I do this by taking a different, insightful approach to fixing their problems when they’re used to doing everything by the book. Also, I want to help  less imaginative people think outside the box   so that they can  come up with creative ways to solve their problems. “

personal mission statement examples 21

“I’m meant to be a  ambitious, self confident, and deliberate person and my mission in life is to  help new political leaders made sound and effective decisions while in office . Also, to help  people during their mid life crises make careful planned decisions so that they can take back control of their lives . “

personal mission statement examples 21

“I’m charismatic, idealistic and outpsoken person. My mission in life is to help others connect with those they love when they have trouble finding things in common . Specifically, I like to hel parents connect with their children during their teenage years so that they can foster good relationships early on in life. “

personal mission statement examples 21

“I’m a sensitive, energetic, and sociable person  and my mission in life is to  create a sense of belonging and companionship in the lives of those who’ve been abandoned . I enjoy helping the elderly feel loved when they have no family , or their current family is not able to spend time with them. I also work with adopted children to help them understand their parents so that they dont grow up feeling abandoned. “

personal mission statement examples 21

“Words that describe me are  ambitious, idealistic, goal oriented and practical. My mission in life is to help new entrepreneurs develop strategies for their budding companies and help them have serious impact on society . Also, to help individuals set goals that will help them feel fulfilled in life  so that they can  exist in a state of passion and purpose. “

personal mission statement examples 21

Short Personal Mission Statement Examples

  • To teach the middle class how to invest their earnings wisely.
  • Showing college students how to be fulfilled after school.
  • To instill a love of learning in small children.
  • Giving senior citizens the inspiration to become leaders in their communities.
  • Educating people on how to have rock solid mental fortitude.

Examples of Personal Mission Statements for your Career

  • Educating entry level workers on how to identify with the company vision.
  • To make sure higher level executives aren’t out of touch with the lower level employees.
  • To go above and beyond my duties as a matter of integrity.
  • To focus more at work, instead of watching the clock.
  • To appreciate that I’m capable of earning an income.

Personal Mission Statement Examples for Leaders

  • To be as efficient with my companies resources and time as possible.
  • To remember that I used to be entry level and listen to my employees.
  • To understand that not everything matters, only efficient tasks are a priority.
  • To constantly learn how to do my job better.
  • To make my work environment pleasant to be in for myself and others.

Personal Mission Statement Examples for College Students

  • To embrace my time at college and take full advantage of what is offered.
  • To set myself up so I’m prepared monetarily for after school.
  • To embrace moderation with my work and recreation.
  • For the next four years, I will find what I am truly passionate about.
  • To learn book knowledge, but also discover my unique place in this worked.

Personal Mission Statement Examples for Nurses & Healthcare Workers

  • To take my own medical advice and create health in my own life.
  • To speak medical truth regardless if its popular.
  • To instruct others about health so well I’m eventually out of a job (because everyone is healthy).
  • To prioritize my sleep and lay off things like caffeine and cigarettes.
  • To instill confidence in patients when they need a pick-me-up.

Personal Mission Statement Examples of famous people

So, what are some good examples of a mission statement? Check out these popular individuals below and what their missions are.

  • “To use my gifts of intelligence, charisma, and serial optimism to cultivate the self-worth and net-worth of women around the world.” – Amanda Steinburg – Dailyworth.com
  • “To be a teacher. And to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be.” – Oprah Winfrey ‘s mission statement
  • “To have fun in (my) journey through life and learn from (my) mistakes.” – Richard Branson ‘s personal mission statement
  • “To live life with integrity and empathy, and be a positive force in the lives of others.” – Amy Ziari
  • “Improve lives. The concept of improving lives runs through the center of everything I do.” – Will Smith ‘ s Personal Mission Statement
  • My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. – Maya Angelou
  • I shall not fear anyone on Earth. I shall fear only God. I shall not bear ill will toward anyone. I shall not submit to injustice from anyone. I shall conquer untruth by truth. And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering. – Gandhi

personal mission statement examples 15

Mission Statement Examples of Big Organizations

  • To honor and empower wounded Warriors – Wounded Warrior Project
  • To inspire and empower people affected by cancer. – LiveStrong’s Mission Statement
  • To create content that educates, informs and inspires. – PBS
  • Bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing countries. – Charity Water’s mission statement
  • Inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future. – National Wildlife Federation
  • To build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. – American Heart Association personal mission statement
  • To provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. – ASPCA

personal mission statement examples 21

How to Write a Personal Mission Statement

So how do we create our personal vision statement? Easy

  • Figure Yourself Out. Who are you?
  • Describe what you do. Who are you? And what do you do?
  • What Transformation would you like to see in the world?
  • Combine all of these elements into a simple statement.

Here are some Personal Mission Statement Examples for Life areas across the board, but first…This is the simplest formula for how to write a mission statement.

Difference between Vision and Mission

This is the difference between life vision and life mission.

Vision: A future without disease.

Mission: To spread healthy food opportunities to parts of the world who don’t have them.

The vision is the foundation for the mission that achieves it. Healthy food helps prevent unnecessary diseases in humans.

Step 1: Know Thyself

Find a huge list of nouns on the internet somewhere and pull some from the list that describe who you are now, or who you desire to be in the future. Try to come up with a list of nouns off the top of your head that describe you as a person right now.

Answer these questions:

  • Who are you?
  • Why are you?
  • Assume there is a reason for your existence: what is it?

personal mission statement examples 21

Step 2: What Actions Do You Take?

  • What do you do?
  • How do you do it?
  • How do you look when you’re doing it?

personal mission statement examples 21

Also Read: How to Answer “What Should I Do With My Life?”

Step 3: The Change You Will Cause

  • Look at the world in it’s current state, where are the holes in the worlds armor that you plan to patch up?
  • What skills do you plan to use to do this?
  • What causes will you support?
  • What ideals do you stand for?
  • Who will you serve?

personal mission statement examples 21

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Give yourself the freedom to simplify everything into one sentence. Write down a sentence that combines who you are, what you do, and who you do it for.

Mission Statements: Other things to Consider

Who will you help.

It helps to narrow down a specific group that you will serve. This could be a group that suffers through something you’ve conquered already, a group you sympathize with, or a group that is affected by the impact you desire to make.

What Path Will You Travel?

Let’s be honest: life is nothing but a serious of paths we take. These paths are made up of choices we make, and those choices define the experiences we have. The dreaded comfort zone is what makes our life dull and gray looking. In fact, most of humanity is living a life in black and white. So when we understand that all path’s can be traveled by everyone, and everyone can do so simply by choosing to, which path will you take?

A good way to craft a broad idea of the path you will take in life, think of fictional characters and what they represent

  • The Magician: is imaginative and makes our wildest dreams reality
  • The Innocent: simply want’s everyone to be happy and comfortable
  • The Outlaw: desires revolution, justice, fights for a cause and creates innovation
  • The Sage: is always seeking the truth underlying our material illusion
  • The Jester: makes fun of things other’s take seriously, carefree and silly
  • The Lover: live life in passion, pleasure, romance, and sensuality. They seek out beauty.
  • The Explorer: everything in life is one giant adventure
  • The Ruler: they desire power and resources
  • The Caregiver: only wants to nurture others create environments conducive for people’s growth
  • The Hero: desires to see other’s be the best they can be by throwing challenges their way
  • The Regular: just want’s to belong and befriend everyone
  • The Creator: more practical than the magician, creators make things like toilet paper, rather than the magician, who would imagine a toilet with spray jets.

Write Your Own Eulogy

Pretend you’re a person speaking at your own funeral… about you. Write down a few sentences about what you would say to get an idea of who you desire to be in the future. You’ll still be yourself, but a more refined version.

Take the Gravestone Test

Kain Ramsey has what he calls the gravestone test. You draw a headstone on a piece of paper, and write in what it would say about you. I actually have that exercise that he uses with his own clients and I’m allowed to share it with you.

It’s something you can do on your own – copy the image below onto a sheet of paper, and write down what you’d hope others would say about you after you die.

Don’t let it get you depressed – it’s just an exercise!

Figure Out Your Personality Traits

Places to start:

  • 16 personality type questionnaire

You can also check out: The Big 5 personality type s, Your Astrological sign, Meyers-briggs , your personal ruling archetype for ideas on what qualities you embody as a person.

What Are Your Core Values?

As a self-development/personal growth author, I put out a decent amount of content about goal setting, goals in general, motivation, procrastination etc… So here’s my experience with myself and others and I think it will help you a bunch.

Nothing will motivate you more when the going gets tough than a set of values that needs to be more present in the world.

For example, whenever I don’t feel like writing, I automatically think about the people in this world who want positive change in their lives and don’t have access to the information they need.

[click_to_tweet tweet=”Instead of thinking about the pain that comes with doing the work, think about the pain that accompanies not having the results that the work gives you.” quote=”Instead of thinking about the pain that comes with doing the work, think about the pain that accompanies not having the results that the work gives you.”]

That gets me off my ass and to the computer with my books to work.

[thrive_megabutton mt=”ALSO READ” st=”How to Set Life on Fire by Being Self Motivated” color=”blue” link=”https://thelifesynthesis.com/self-motivated/” target=”_blank” align=”aligncenter”]

Some of my values are

  • Independence and freedom
  • Responsibility
  • Freedom of, and access to life-changing information.

These are the things that keep you going when it’s cold and rainy outside because they almost feel bigger than we are, like our vision and mission need to be done and we have to be the ones to do it.

Take the core values quiz here.

How Will You Change the World with your Values?

A vision statement is really about the change you want to see in the world. Or at least, how you plan on living your life such that this change occurs. If you look at the small list of my values above, you can see why you’re even reading this article that I wrote.

  • I imagine a world where everyone takes responsibility for their own happiness and life experiences
  • I think that people should have the freedom to do so, and have access to the information to aid them
  • Ultimately, I see life as one huge adventure, and I think we all have the choice to shape it to our liking

Can you see how that turns into a personal growth blog?

By spreading information about personal growth, I help others eliminate obstacles to their own happiness that they may not have known where there.

I compile the most relevant information that everyone can pick from to learn about themselves, others, and the world they live in, so they can navigate it better.

To get started with creating your personal mission statement example, tilt your head up and to the left, and start daydreaming about how awesome the world could be if it transformed like [FILL IN THE BLANK].

Then, decide what part you’re gonna play in that transformation.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of which avenue (method) you’ve chosen to pursue a mission statement is highly recommended when pursuing any meaning in life. How could you dispense with a tool that requires deep introspection and the full strength of your imagination? It not only allows you to discover who you are, but plants the seed required to formulate a master plan to pursue whatever dreams you may have.

A vision leads to a mission , and a mission will always involve some type of service that not only challenges you and serves others but allows you to leave a live where someone else is saving you and transforms you into the hero.

My favorite Tools for this

Goal Setting 101 (for individuals)

The Power of Clarity

High Performance Leadership (for leaders of organizations and groups)

Related Posts

20 most common reasons fail finding their passion and purpose, how to write a personal vision statement for clarity, focus and motivation, how to evolve your life vision over a lifetime, brian wright.

Brian Wright is an Achology Certified Life Coach who has helped hundreds of people reach their self improvement goals since 2017 using proven scientific research, wisdom acquired from practice and knowledge from a life of constantly learning.

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Visualization Methods for Manifesting your Vision

Trying to recreate your life or go in a different direction? Developing a vision for the rest of your life, or the next period can be daunting. It sucks knowing its time to move on, or grow but not...

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My Vision and Mission in Life: the Purpose of My Journey

Table of contents, defining my vision, embracing my mission, the interplay between vision and mission.

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  • Childhood Lessons
  • Perseverance
  • Overcoming Obstacles

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Happiness — To Become Happy: My Personal Mission Statement

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To Become Happy: My Personal Mission Statement

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Words: 546 |

Published: Dec 12, 2018

Words: 546 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

What I Consider My Mission: Personal Statement

Works cited.

  • Helliwell, J. F., Layard, R., & Sachs, J. D. (2019). World Happiness Report 2019. Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
  • Lyubomirsky, S. (2007). The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want. Penguin Books.
  • Seligman, M. E. (2002). Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment. Free Press.
  • Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2008). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper Perennial Modern Classics.
  • Duckworth, A. L. (2016). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Scribner.
  • Dweck, C. S. (2007). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Ballantine Books.
  • Pink, D. H. (2009). Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Riverhead Books.
  • Gladwell, M. (2008). Outliers: The Story of Success. Little, Brown and Company.
  • Covey, S. R. (2004). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. Free Press.
  • Grant, A. M. (2013). Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success. Penguin Books.

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personal life mission essay

Personal Values and Its Contributions on Life Mission Essay

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This paper is about personal values and how they contribute to one’s mission in life. A person’s values are simply the ideas or views that determine how they live. In other words, this refers to the general expression of what comes out as important to an individual, and what they have chosen to uphold. Due to the significant roles which they tend to play in our lives, personal values are often said to be a reference point for what can be considered to be morally or ethically straight for us.

As we grow up, we tend to observe and draw other people’s values until we reach an age where we can make reasonable choices about the kind of values that we may consider worthy and ones that we need to uphold in our lives. In this paper, I have talked about my mission in life and the area where I would like to contribute most. Here, I have discussed my values and my goals that align with those values. Moreover, I also explain in the paper the nature of my perfect organizational culture and the reason why I like it that way.

My mission is to always integrate effective managerial and leadership skills to make value visible in key organizational systems. In that regard, my main area of interest, where I will like to contribute most is none other but organizational leadership and management. I would like to serve in a competitive business environment from either the private sector or the public sector, where I will be able to execute my values appropriately.

My goals in business would include, but will not be limited to, unveiling ways of minimizing costs while maximizing profits, motivating other employees to focus on a positive outcome, growing the operations of my organization, improving efficiency, creating challenges for competitors, improving management-staff relationships through teamwork, and unveiling attractive brand. Based on my mission, I would apply all the necessary tactics to ensure that all my desired end-point goals, as highlighted above are eventually realized. Many types of personal values define us in life, and these include charity values, inherited values, values linked to relationships, and workplace environment values.

As it would be observed, the list of personal values is endless, and this means that different people in the world have different types of personal values that they tend to implement into their lives (Roccas et al., 2002). I hold a wide range of personal values, which include trusting other people’s capabilities, maximizing the use of available resources, competence, co-operation and teamwork, continuous improvement, effective communication, commitment to work, accountability, discipline, and empowerment, among others.

I would prefer working in a developing organization or department, that apart from just supporting my values will provide room for further advancement of my leadership skills. Unlike advanced organizations, growing businesses are likely to face many challenges before they flourish, and this provides a suitable environment for anyone who aspires to put their values into practice. There is no doubt that my values will play a crucial role in enabling me to meet my mission in my workplace environment.

It is obvious that no matter the values that we may possess as individuals, they would tend to rely on several core factors to bring a visible impact to an organization (Shane & Glinow, 2013). One of these factors is the nature of the organizational culture which is regarded by many as a powerful force of any firm which intends to make a positive difference in the dynamic business environment. In my case, I would prefer working in an organization that comprises staff members who belong to different cultural identities. There is a universal agreement that the culture of an organization is indeed a key determinant of its success.

The reason for this is because culture eminently influences the decision-making process of a firm. There are several reasons why I would prefer serving in an organization with diverse cultures. First of all, this will be certain to bring positive influence on employees through teamwork processes where varied ideas and opinions are likely to be generated, thus necessitating successful and fast achievement of end-point goals in the organization. Another important reason is that workers belonging to different cultures will tend to have varied knowledge and exposure, thus promoting competence and efficiency in the workplace. All these, however, will be supportive of my values in the organization of my interest.

As shown in this paper, personal values are of great importance to both individuals and organizations. It is patently clear from this essay that, integration of a good business mission and effective personal values can be a certain way of promoting business management and success. In that case, people should effectively apply their acquired personal values to generate the most desirable outcome in their business or workplace environments.

Roccas, S., Sagiv, L., Schwartz, S., & Knafo, A. (2002). The big five personality factors and personal values. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 28 (6), 789-801.

Shane, M., & Glinow, V. (2013). Organizational Behavior , 6th edition. New York: McGraw Hill.

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Happier Human

19 Life Purpose Examples to Find Your True Purpose

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Since the dawn of time, philosophers and common people alike have mused over the idea of a “life purpose.”  

But what defines one’s life purpose? And what should yours be?

In simplest terms, a life purpose is your reason (or reasons) for getting up in the morning.

True purpose can guide your decisions.

It will influence your behavior and help you prioritize goals to make room for what really matters.

Purpose can offer a sense of direction… and create meaning. For some people, purpose is connected to a vocation- meaningful, satisfying work.

Ancient Greek classicists called it a “telos,” or the ultimate goal of life.  They believed that a life purpose should be was one’s central focus on their journey through time on earth. 

Modern thinkers conceptualize it as that what they were meant to do or be… what they were made for.

Whichever way you prefer to think about it, having an idea of your greater aim in life makes every day more significant and precious. It allows you to harness your energy into something bigger than just yourself.

In this article, I will provide 19 life purpose examples that may help you take one step closer to eudemonia… or “Living the Good Life”.

Table of Contents

Exercises to Find Your Life Purpose

Self-inquiry and examination through good habits help you center your thoughts and really focus on what you enjoy most in your life and gives you meaning.

Everyone has different skills and talents that make them great… and taking the time to analyze what you excel at can give you further direction to what you can call your life purpose.   Pro tip: you can have more than one!

Journaling what matters most to you

Creative journaling has many proven health benefits . From writing down your crazy dreams,  to taking note of interesting flowers you've seen that day, it gives your left brain a chance to express itself… or your right brain time to make sense of the day.

Consistency is what is important. 

If you choose a narrative approach, you give your loved ones a valuable record and tool to peer into the daily life of your family.

When you select a creative approach, such as poetry or sketching, you can get a glimpse into your subconscious and the themes of your life.

Either method works… and many of the world's most successful minds practice journaling . 

You can also start using your journal as a tool to implement your life purpose. Everything from affirmations, inspiring quotes, or a daily to-do list will be able to help you navigate the waters of setting sail in the direction of your dreams.

Writing a life purpose statement

Are you feeling bold?

If so, sit down and write down a mission statement of the purpose of your life. You might be surprised what you think of!

For your first draft, don't put too much thought into it and let the feeling of what you want to most express flow through you. Be true to yourself and don't be shy; you don't have to share it if you don't want to.

Later, revise it and flesh it out. Write out a personal manifesto if you want to. Let the written word inspire you to greater things and pay attention to the most vivid details.

Don't think too much about it, either. You can have a seemingly small or narrowed down purpose, such as becoming a vegan.  Or you may discover something greater, like becoming a human rights activist or uncovering a musical talent.  

Take what you learn from this exercise and use it to make bigger and better choices for your life.

Find good literature or media to support your new vision, and if you are really feeling inspired, volunteer or take classes to improve. 

Verbalizing to someone else what matters most

Talking about things to a compassionate listener helps our minds process what's going on in our life.

Even the process of listening to ourselves talk can help make what's going on “real” and, more importantly , give us some ideas of the right action steps to take.

Just talk about what matters.

how to answer what is your purpose | purpose in life quotes | what is the purpose of life philosophy

Always wanted to get a higher degree? Was your dream to be a painter?

Find a trusted person and talk to them about it. The enormous healing properties of letting someone know your secret desires will always shed light on those corners of your life and give you hope and a different perspective.

Visualizing what is most important in their life and what may be lacking.

Looking within helps you to clarify what's important and minimize distractions.

For example, if being healthy is important to you… you might change your diet, learn new recipes, or start a daily exercise plan.

If having more fun with your community is a goal, then you might be on the lookout for opportunities to meet new people.

Visualize what your ideal life would be like, and take steps every day to achieve it!

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” -Walt Disney

Take a deep breath, light a candle, and close your eyes. Relax and think:  where could my life go? What would I have? Where would I be? What would it feel like?

Now, let yourself write out what an ideal day would be like. Let your imagination go wild. Where would you vacation? What would you eat? What gifts would you buy the people you love?

You get the idea.

Now, ground yourself, and let yourself figure out a realistic way to align yourself to the life choices you could make to more embody that lifestyle.

It's easier than it sounds, and you can be amazed at all of the resources that reveal themselves to you when you're open and ready to receive or when you go out there and take action.

People from all walks of life benefit from the power of visualization.   From CEOs to elementary teachers, walking yourself through the necessary steps in your mind's eye helps guide you to techniques or tools for an improved life.

It can be anything from a power color to a special spot in nature from which you draw inspiration. 

19 Life Purpose Examples You May Draw Inspiration From

1. having a strong sense of family.

“I will always work to do what is best for my family. Without neglecting myself, I will seek to meet their needs. I will seek to understand their insecurities, and give them the support and unconditional love to make them feel special, important, and irreplaceable.”

Around the world, “family” ranks as the top choice when selecting one’s purpose in life. It's the foundation from which people come from… and where many people return. If you feel that friends and family are priceless treasures that can never be replaced, this purpose is definitely for you.

2. Helping Children

“I want to be a positive role model for children. Whether it's with tangibles like food or clothing, or by giving emotional support… I want to give children what they need to feel wanted, loved, and secure. I want to give children what they need to be healthy, happy, and productive.” 

Whether you're a parent or not, if you're passionate about helping children, there are many ways to achieve this goal. The obvious is to provide financially by giving food, clothing, and shelter. You can also give your time and support in other ways.

Helping with homework, listening when a child needs to talk, donating to children's causes, or volunteering are some examples.

3. Giving Back to the Community

“I want to contribute something to my community that will leave it better than it was before my contribution. I want to show others that connecting with your community is important and vital.” 

examples of purpose statements | what is your purpose in life answer | my purpose in life as a student

Communities don't exist without individuals, and individuals cannot exist without being a part of some type of a community. We are interdependent beings. If you have a sense of appreciation for the significance of community, there are many ways to meet this purpose. 

You can enhance it aesthetically, or participate in other activities. You may want to take a more interpersonal approach, like being a mentor or helping a neighbor.

4. Helping Animals

“All creatures deserve to be treated with kindness. I want to show compassion to animals through caring acts that help protect them and help them survive.”

It’s no coincidence that veganism and vegetarianism grow in popularity every year. Whether it's by aligning yourself with groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), or adopting a pet , you, too, can contribute to ensuring animals are treated humanely.

5. Living a Healthy Lifestyle

“I will prioritize taking care of myself by putting my health first. I will take care of my physical and mental health needs by being mindful of what I put in my body, and focusing on my emotional and mental well-being. Self-care activities will be a part of my regular routine.”

Self-care is one of the essential ways that health can become part of a life's purpose. In order to meet any other goals in life, you must first be in good mental and physical health. 

6. Prioritizing Fitness

“I will feed the inside and outside of my body with the nourishment it needs. The right food is an obvious necessity, but I will also make sure I feed it physical exercise, and prioritize being physically fit.”

Fitness goes hand in hand with living a healthy life. It may be for medical reasons, or your aim may be to achieve a certain physical appearance or build  strength . This life purpose is for you if you're passionate about the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of exercise.

7. Incorporating Music

“I will make music an integral part of my life. I will use it as a source of healing and enjoyment. I will also use it as a way to connect with others, and to connect more deeply with myself.”

If you feel drawn to music, incorporating it into your life more will give many emotional benefits.

In every culture,  music  seems to be the thread that binds people. Whether you're a musician, a dancer, or simply someone who loves to listen… there is so much meaning and purpose that can be gleaned from music.

8. Appreciating Art

“I will appreciate the beauty of art. I will find ways to include it in my life, by being both a spectator and finding ways to explore my own artistic talents.”

Art has many forms and expressions, and whichever one you feel “drawn” to is totally up to you and entirely beautiful. Many people have amazing latent artistic gifts that they go their whole lives regretting not having explored further.  

You can take advantage of  adult learning  or community college opportunities to enhance your artistic skills.

9. Embracing Spirituality

“I will be a spiritual person and connect to something higher than myself. I will concern myself with being the best person I can be for myself and others. I will be guided by thoughts and actions that are kind and in my best interest, and the best interest of others.” 

examples of purpose statements | what is your purpose in life answer | purpose in life meaning

Being spiritual  can be a powerful way to embrace a larger identity and life purpose. If your focus is to grow and develop to be the best person you can be, and live a life where you show compassion to others, this mantra is ideal. 

10. Living a Happy and Ethical Life

“I will first and foremost do what it takes to make myself happy. With this continued state of being, I will be able to treat others in a respectful and kind way. My happiness will lead to actions that are just, fair, and ethical for others.”

We've probably all heard the saying, “Hurt people hurt people.” It would then follow that we can say the opposite is also true. If you're in a state of contentment, you'll give off a sense of peace that will positively affect others. 

This statement probably hits home for you if you're someone who's mindful about existing in the here-and-now. It's definitely for you if you're self-aware and value the multitude of health benefits from having a harmonious emotional and spiritual state. 

11. Empowering Others

“My life purpose is to help others see their own power and strength. I want to make each person I encounter feel better about themselves and have an added sense of self-efficacy and self-confidence.”

Here's a statement that takes infecting others with happiness and peace to a different level. The drive to empower others is ideal for someone who loves interacting with people. It requires being able to see the positives and helping individuals identify their strengths. 

12. Being True to Myself

“I want to live a life where I present to myself and others my authentic self. I want to maintain my true self while being genuine and sincere in all of my relationships and interactions with others.”

If you are someone who values your individualism, this example falls right in line. Being true to yourself may include maintaining your own unique fashion sense, dietary choices, or spiritual beliefs.

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It can be more interpersonal, where you value remaining true to another purpose you have in life, no matter what others think or say. For example, you may want to stay true to living a life as a starving artist, rather than conform to the American standard of climbing your way up the corporate ladder.

Or, it may mean holding onto independent thinking that sets you a part from the rest, and not changing your opinions or methods of expression to please others or to fit in.

At any rate, being your authentic self in all areas of life helps to achieve a healthy mental and emotional state.

13. Achieving a Meaningful Career

“I will continuously pour into myself the tools needed to be the best at what I do. I want to have a career that improves the life of others and society in some way.”

Many people choose careers based on their skills, passions, or natural talents. This purpose can help you decide what career to pursue and, therefore, what actions you need to follow to achieve it.

It can help you determine if you need to pursue a higher degree, what region you may need to live in, and even give you a realistic picture of what your income may be. For example, if you're on the fence about whether to become a social worker or a marketing executive, you may decide that a social worker better meets the task of improving lives.

14. Cultivating Healthy, Reciprocal Relationships

“I will treat others as I want to be treated. I will make sure I give as much as I receive. I will communicate with others to understand and give them what they need, instead of going off of my assumptions of their needs, so that I am truly treating them in a manner that makes them feel important and respected.”

Any time you're having multiple interactions with someone, you're having a relationship. Whether it's close friends, relatives, or co-workers, interactions with others that are built on respect and mutual give-and-take are the most productive and healthiest.

If you appreciate the value of relationships and the positive rippling effects they can have on all aspects of life, this statement may speak to you.

15. Reaching My Fullest and Highest Potential

“Realizing self-actualization means reaching your fullest and highest potential. I will use self-reflection to understand my thoughts, behaviors, patterns, talents, and skills. I will also identify my growth areas (I will not call them weaknesses). I will seek to educate myself and increase my knowledge through research, and by engaging in meaningful discussions with others who hold different viewpoints than my own. I will use all of these avenues to improve all aspects of who I am.”

If you are dedicated to self-growth and self-development , this example does a great job of summarizing many of the components necessary to accomplish a higher state of self. 

You may have more than one purpose. This one goes hand-in-hand with “Being True to Myself.” To accomplish both, you must be ready to accept the self-discovery that comes from honest self-reflection. Achieving self-actualization also requires accepting the actions or changes you find you need to make as a result of those self-discoveries.

16. Bringing Others Joy

“Simply put, I want to make others laugh. Laughter is healing. I want to give people the good feelings, relief, and connection that comes with sharing a good laugh together. Even when there's sadness, laughter can provide a glimpse of hope and joy. I want to provide the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Some purpose statements are more serious, some will take a little work, and others will take a concerted amount of time to achieve. This one is just pure fun.

If connecting with others and enjoying life are what gets you out of bed in the mornings, this example is the perfect fit. We can choose happiness , and help others to choose it, too.

17. Helping the Less Fortunate

“I will help someone who is hurting or going without. I will give my assistance in some way to help someone else gain what they are missing, to help them have a better quality of life.”

purpose in life meaning | personal purpose examples | why is it so hard to find your purpose in life

This is for the altruistic. Helping the less fortunate takes the life purpose of contributing to the community to the next level, by getting a little more specific. It requires you to identify or consider a type of person or group of people, and the resources they need.

18. Sharing Wisdom

“As I learn and grow from my experiences, I want to share that wisdom with others.” 

This example is great for teachers, religious leaders, mentors, or anyone who enjoys articulating the lessons of their failures, successes, and life journey. Knowledge is priceless. Because everyone's experiences are different, we all have a little bit of knowledge we could share with someone else.

19. Appreciating the World Around Me 

“I will embrace nature and all of its wonders. I will take the time to enjoy what cannot be bought and sold, but what gives us its beauty and utility every second of every day, unconditionally. I will appreciate the small things, and do my part to preserve the natural reserves that make life possible.”

If you enjoy nature and the simpler things in life, and see the environment as something that needs protecting, this may resonate with you. It incorporates both appreciation and action. Like some of the others, this purpose statement is also integral to mindfulness. There's an indirect sense of benevolence, too. Without the beauty and necessities of nature — like water, land to grow fruit and vegetables, and the many valuable things that only an ecosystem left intact can provide — human life cannot exist.

Final Thoughts on a Life Purpose

No two people have the exact same life purpose… even if they value the same things, like family, they may share different visions of how that life looks.

You can use this list of 19 life purpose examples as a springboard to launch your own journey towards finding your “why.”

While these are some of the most common themes that bring meaning to many people, that isn’t to say they are your true purpose.

Which ones stand out most to you?

Has a lightbulb of inspiration appeared over your head?

Have you thought about an interest or passion that could further enrich your life?

If so… follow that fire! Don’t let it burn out!

When you take the right steps, you can make big changes with daily choices in the right direction. With these life purpose examples, you can be well on your way to developing a life you're truly proud of.

Finally, if you want to increase your happiness and life satisfaction, then watch this free video that details the 7-minute habit for planning your day to focus on what's important .

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A Conscious Rethink

11 Examples Of Life Purpose Statements That You Could Adopt

Disclosure: this page may contain affiliate links to select partners. We receive a commission should you choose to make a purchase after clicking on them. Read our affiliate disclosure.

woman sitting under a tree writing her life purpose statement in a notepad

In his book “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl stated that a person can withstand just about anything as long as they have a purpose to strive for.

So what happens when we don’t know what our purpose is, exactly?

Just about all of us have struggled with the idea of personal purpose at one point or another.

For some, it might happen in secondary school, when life is a maelstrom of trying to figure out what to do with the next 40 years. Others might face their struggle after a health crisis or major life event such as job loss, divorce, or widowhood.

At some point, we all look in the mirror and ask ourselves:

“What am I supposed to be doing with my life? Who do I want to be? What legacy do I want to leave?”

All of this can be very daunting, and can also inspire a fair bit of anxiety if the answer doesn’t come right away.

We may feel lost without a sense of purpose, or feel as though we’re being dragged along by a current that doesn’t feel right, but we don’t know what to do about it.

If you’re trying to figure out your life purpose and you feel stuck, that’s okay. That’s why we’re here to help each other, right?

How To Find Your Life Purpose

Try to set some time aside when you’re unlikely to be disturbed by others, and you have no pressing commitments to attend to.

Grab your journal and write down all the things that are important to you. Not just things you enjoy, but accomplishments that make you feel proud of yourself, things you do to help other people… basically things that make you feel fulfilled.

Next, write down your own version of a “bucket list,” but focus more on things you’d like to achieve in your life , rather than just things you’d like to experience.

Think of things such as wanting to establish a wildlife sanctuary, or be known for creating a line of hot sauces, rather than experiencing what it’s like to skydive naked.

Can I Have More Than One Life Purpose?

Whose permission are you asking? Are you seeking validation from other people as to how many different purposes you’re allowed to have?

Dear heart, you can have as many purposes, statements, and goals as you like.

Having multiple life passions isn’t just possible, it’s spectacular. For example, during the Renaissance, being a polymath (someone who excels at numerous pursuits) was both expected and encouraged. It’s only been fairly recently that hyper-focusing on one specific goal or career has been expected.

People are, by our very nature, adaptable creatures with various interests and skill sets. So why not have more than one purpose?

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. – Robert A. Heinlein

Let’s take a look at some powerful life purpose statements. Perhaps you’ll find one that can inspire your own in turn, or at least give you a starting point for discovering yours!

1. “I stand up for issues that I believe in, and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

This kind of life purpose statement is great for people for whom justice and mercy are of great importance.

For example, people who want to work with organizations such as Amnesty International, or various animal rights groups.

Are you thinking about pursuing a career in law? Or perhaps you’d like to dedicate yourself to animal rescues, or fundraising for veterans, or even volunteering for homeless outreach programs?

With this as your mantra, you’re bound to make extraordinary changes happen in the world.

2. “I am determined to leave the world in a better state than it is now.”

Are you an environmental activist? Do you carry spare bin bags in your pocket when you go out hiking so you can collect and dispose of other people’s rubbish?

Then a statement like this might be the right fit.

Howl it to the sky when you’re tossing seed bombs into empty fields to sow native pollinator flowers, or cleaning up oil spills around the world.

3. “I want to tell extraordinary stories, and inspire other people with my writing”

Are you a natural storyteller? Do you dream of writing a novel (or a series of novels!) that will engage people for years to come? That is absolutely magnificent.

The world is fuelled by stories, and the greatest ones are told and retold for generations. I mean, they’re still doing retellings and adaptations of Beowulf, and that was written a thousand years ago.

4. “I am called to dedicate myself to my spirituality, and help others who are on the same path as me.”

There are many different religions and spiritual paths around the world, and all have adherents who have dedicated their lives to spiritual practice.

If you are drawn to a spiritual life, you may find yourself wanting to enter an ashram, convent, or monastery.

Or perhaps you’d like to immerse yourself in religious studies in order to teach them to others.

If you have this type of calling, then a life purpose statement that encompasses your personal beliefs may be a great source of strength and inspiration for you.

5. “I will create stunning works of art that people can enjoy for centuries to come. That’s the legacy I want to leave: beauty.”

Have you noticed that most tourist attractions around the world center around art and architecture?

Millions of people flock to the Taj Mahal, the Louvre, Florence, and countless other places where they can bask in the beauty that other people have created.

Artists, designers, and architects have created works of absolute wonder, some of which have been filling people with awe for hundreds, even thousands of years.

If you’re inspired to create such beauty, then this is certainly a mission statement for you.

6. “I plan on being the change I want to see in this world.”

This is a more generalized life purpose statement, but a powerful one nonetheless.

If you’re struggling to figure out exactly what you want to do, but you know you want to do something to make the world a better place, then this is a good launching point.

After all, you can always change direction once you’re in motion. The key is to get started and gain momentum, right?

7. “I want to heal those who are hurting.”

A life purpose statement like this one would suit anyone who wants to be of service in a healing capacity.

This might be physical healing, such as a surgeon or physio/massage therapist. Alternatively, it could encompass mental, emotional, or spiritual pain, such as can be alleviated with psychotherapy, counselling, or other non-physical support.

If you’re drawn to the healing arts, and want to alleviate other people’s suffering, then a simple mission statement like this might be just what you’re looking for.

8. “I will build a loving home for my family, and support my children’s dreams and endeavors.”

These kinds of life purpose statements are ideal for those for whom family and child rearing are top priority.

If your kids are your world, and you want to dedicate your life to parenting (and eventually grandparenting), then something in this vein might suit you well.

Parents, guardians, and foster parents can help set the foundations for other people’s lifelong well-being and success.

Parenting is, of course, one of the hardest jobs, but is also one of the most rewarding.

9. “I would like to receive recognition for excelling in my career, and to retire knowing that I have made exceptional contributions to my field of expertise.”

If you’ve found a career that you absolutely love, and you’d like to dedicate your life to it, then that’s excellent! You’ve found your purpose, and the statement that will help fuel you.

Whenever you’re having a bad day, and either your coworkers or projects you’re working on are making you feel disheartened, remember this statement.

In fact, try printing it out in a really elegant typeface and pinning it above your desk.

10. “I aim to use my skills to feed the hungry, and teach people how to grow food for themselves and for each other.”

Is food your passion? Do you want to help to end hunger, and hopefully equip others with the skills they need to feed themselves and their families?

Then let a life purpose statement like this one inspire you.

Food security is an issue that may well affect everyone around the world at some point, so knowing how to grow and cook food ourselves is invaluable.

And if you have the ability to teach these skills to others, you can create immense positive change in this world.

11. “I want to amass knowledge, and then share it with others.”

Do you thrive in academia? And do you love sharing all you’ve learned with other people? Then teaching sounds like a pretty solid life purpose for you.

There is a startling amount of wisdom and knowledge out there in the world. So much to discover, and revel in, and then share with others.

Whether your goal is to teach, or to write, you’re bound to expand countless horizons with your endeavors.

Remember that your purpose is likely to change several times over the course of your lifetime. That’s absolutely okay, and nothing to freak out about.

After all, we are all constantly growing and changing, and our experiences may inspire us to shift direction dramatically at least once or twice.

When this happens, take some time to regroup and then repeat the same process again.

Take stock of where you are, where you want to be, who you want to be, and how you want to move forward. Then, create a new life purpose statement or mantra to inspire you, scrawl it on the wall, shout it to the heavens, and leap forward into that new life.

You may also like:

  • 100 Examples Of Personal Mantras (+ How To Create Your Own)
  • 101 Personal Mottos To Live By (And How To Choose One)
  • 9 Ways You Can Leave A Positive Lasting Legacy Behind
  • What Is A Personal Philosophy? 4 Steps To Developing One.
  • 20 Things You Really Ought To Believe In

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About The Author

personal life mission essay

Catherine Winter is an herbalist, INTJ empath, narcissistic abuse survivor, and PTSD warrior currently based in Quebec's Laurentian mountains. In an informal role as confidant and guide, Catherine has helped countless people work through difficult times in their lives and relationships, including divorce, ageing and death journeys, grief, abuse, and trauma recovery, as they navigate their individual paths towards healing and personal peace.

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The personal essay.

Photograph of blank Microsoft Word document titled "The Most Awesome College Essay Ever"

Unlike the rest of your application, which primarily consists of filling in boxes, the personal essay gives you the freedom to essentially write about whatever you want. No rules! Show who you are! Which sounds pretty cool, until you’re sitting there looking at a blank Word document.

Photograph of blank Microsoft Word document titled "The Most Awesome College Essay Ever"

While the personal essay is a great opportunity to infuse your voice into the application, I think some people (cough, me, cough) can get overwhelmed by it to the point where they don’t know how to begin. What do I write about? What makes me stand out? How can I explain all of this in only a few hundred words?

Well, as someone who eventually managed to get some words down on that blank document and turn out a decent college essay, here are a few words of advice.

1. Start by writing something.

I know, that sounds really obvious. But sometimes the hardest part of writing is just getting started – if you spend too much time criticizing your ideas before you write anything down, you won’t get anywhere. Write a few sentences, jot down some random ideas, note a couple anecdotes that might be interesting… just get something on paper that you can look back to. Maybe one of those ideas will catch, and BOOM you have an essay – or maybe you’ll look back to this list after a few weeks and think of something else that you would rather write about. That’s fine! The beginning of the creative process involves coming up with ideas, judging them comes later. Trust me, I took a class on this (really: it was a psych class called “Creativity: Madmen, Geniuses, and Harvard Students.”)

2. Think about something that has some significance to you.

Many students feel like they have to write about some huge, life-changing, important event in their lives. If you have something like this that you want to write about, that’s great! However, you can also write an awesome essay about something other than The Most Important Thing Ever. It can be the littlest things, if you explain their significance well, that actually stand out. In my case, somewhere in my essay I mentioned that I got up at 5:37am (rather than 5:30 or 5:45) because I liked prime numbers – and the first thing my admissions officer said when I walked into the room for my interview was, “So, prime numbers, huh?” That being said, remember that this is a college essay, so keep this audience and goal in mind as you write. When they finish reading, what do you want the admissions officers to know about you? Does this essay demonstrate something about who you are and what you care about? If not, you might want to go back to the drawing board.

3. Don’t be afraid to start over.

After finishing my first draft, I was glad to have something, but I wasn’t completely happy with it either. A week or two later, as I was reading over my essay again, I had an idea for a totally different topic - so I opened another document and completely started over. The second attempt was so much better, and I felt happy with how it turned out. It can be hard to scrap an initial attempt after spending so much time on it, but think of that time as just part of the process of getting to what you really want to write about.

4. Get an outside perspective.

One of the most useful things I did while working on my college essay was asking a couple people to read it over. At the time, I had two drafts that I was choosing between, and I wasn’t sure which one captured “me” better. When I asked my parents and teacher what they thought, they unanimously picked one option over the other. In the end, it’s important to have an essay that you are happy with – but sometimes having a fresh set of eyes can help you see what that is.

This is an important step! Both you, and perhaps someone who knows you well, should read over your essay and make sure it is in tip-top shape before you turn it in. There should be no grammatical or spelling mistakes – that gives the impression that you did not take your time on it. I know you’ve spent a long time on it by this point, but those last edits are super important!

The personal essay is a snippet of who you are and where you’re coming from – a snapshot for the admissions officers to look at as they read your application. It will never be able to capture everything about you, but you want to make sure that you’re giving them your best angle. So sit down, smile, and get to writing!

Halie Class of Alumni

personal life mission essay

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COMMENTS

  1. 20 Inspiring Examples: How to Write a Personal Mission Statement

    Example 2: Career Professional. Your mission as a career professional could be to advance in your industry, exemplify integrity, and balance work and personal life. Example: "To grow professionally, maintain a high level of integrity, and achieve a healthy work-life balance.".

  2. 55 Personal Mission Statement Examples (2024)

    Here is my personal mission statement: "I will be generous with my time both with family and strangers. I will consciously and intentionally spend quality time with my parents, my wife, and my children. I will pass-on love of life and self-belief to my children by living as a positive example. I will commit my career to working on projects ...

  3. How To Write a Personal Mission Statement (With Examples)

    Here are the steps you can follow to write your own personal mission statement: 1. Write down what's most important to you. Start by considering who you are and who you want to be. Write down what's most important to you and what you're most passionate about. Consider what or who you most value and how your life is connected to those people or ...

  4. How To Write A Personal Mission Statement (28 Examples)

    Short Mission Statement Examples. Here are some examples of short mission statements from famous people and organizations. 9. "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.". — Maya Angelou.

  5. Personal Mission Statement: Examples, Definition, and Writing Tips

    Most people write a mission statement to clarify the type of work they want to do, decide on the types of companies they might like to work for, and highlight core values or beliefs that might affect their experience in a workplace environment. But I'd like to propose that a personal mission statement focus on your truth, your goals, and your values, and not be unnecessarily restricted by ...

  6. How to Write a Personal Mission Statement

    Write Your Personal Mission Statement. Sometimes a personal mission statement is just one sentence. In that case, it could be: To do [X Action] for [Y group of people] to [have Z impact] with ...

  7. 70 Personal Mission Statement Examples

    Students' Personal Mission Statement Examples. 29. To put my studies first, above everything else. It will help keep my grades in check, helping me advance and achieve my career goals. 30. To set my personal life aside and focus on achieving my goals regarding my education and building a solid career for myself. 31.

  8. How to Write a Personal Mission Statement: 40+ Examples

    Personal Mission Statement Examples for Students. "To learn and grow". "To gain the skills to make the world a better place". "To build a network that will carry me through life". "To discover the magic and mystery of life". "To grow into someone who can save the planet".

  9. How to Write a Personal Mission Statement [45 Examples]

    A good formula you can use to write a personal mission statement is as follows: "I am committed to [your core values and beliefs] and strive to [your long-term goals and aspirations]. My mission is to [your mission or purpose] by [how you plan to achieve it] to [the impact or legacy you want to create] .".

  10. How to Write a Personal Mission Statement

    A personal mission statement defines who you are as a person (or as a team member where you work) and identifies your purpose—whether that's on the job or simply in life. It explains where you see yourself in the future, how you plan to pursue that purpose, and why it matters so much to you.

  11. How To Write A Personal Mission Statement (A Step-By-Step Guide)

    A personal mission statement is an honest review of oneself, highlighting those very areas of fabrication that manipulate our assessment of the self and ultimately harm the potential we hold to make an impact. This step will shape the way you think about yourself, ensuring your personal mission statement isn't just based on your perceived self.

  12. How To Write A Personal Mission Statement (With Examples)

    So the best advice is to just get started. Here's how to write a personal mission statement in no time. Schedule some quiet time to just write. Do this once a day for a week. Maybe this is just for 5 minutes or you get into it and find that you need 30 minutes or more. Make sure that you schedule this time for when you aren't rushed and can ...

  13. These 21 Personal Mission Statement Examples Are ...

    The best examples of a personal mission statement will have the following as their key components:. Your Core Identity; The impact you leave on the world; Your mission as a whole; Your mission statement is what you do each day (short-term goals) to reach the end result that you would like to see someday (long-term effect).A personal mission statement is not only your GPS guidance system, but ...

  14. 37 Personal Purpose Statement Examples & Ideas for 2024

    37 Personal Purpose Statement Examples and Ideas. Some of these are one-size-fits-all. Change a word or two to fit your purpose, or exchange the field used in the example for yours. For instance, "To provide legal services … ," could be, "To provide social services, educational services, or healthcare services.".

  15. 12 Outstanding Personal Statement Examples

    Example #3 - 12. Example #4 - Flying. Example #5 - Arab Spring in Bahrain. Example #6 - Poop, Animals and the Environment. Example #7 - Entoptic Phenomena. Example #8 - The Builder & Problem Solver. Example #10 - The Little Porch and a Dog (With Spanish Translation) Example #10 - Life As an Undocumented Student.

  16. My Vision and Mission in Life: the Purpose of My Journey

    purpose that shapes my existence. Developing a vision and mission has allowed me to chart a course toward meaningful goals and contribute to the world in a purposeful way. In this essay, I will delve into the intricacies of my personal vision and mission, exploring the aspirations that drive me and the principles that guide my journey. Defining ...

  17. Personal Mission Statement Essay

    1552 Words. 7 Pages. Open Document. Personal Mission Statement. I see myself progressing in my field as well as in my education. I find my education challenging and motivating. I can see many challenges ahead and therefore I am willing to invest my time learning all the skills and knowledge of my field towards professional advancement.

  18. To Become Happy: My Personal Mission Statement

    To Become Happy: My Personal Mission Statement. To be a successful person in life so that can generate happiness on the work you have accomplished in your life it requires some efforts. I will do this by determining what I want to achieve in my life. I will make no changes of what am and what value I have. I will also consider remaining in the ...

  19. Personal Values and Its Contributions on Life Mission Essay

    Exclusively available on IvyPanda®. This paper is about personal values and how they contribute to one's mission in life. A person's values are simply the ideas or views that determine how they live. In other words, this refers to the general expression of what comes out as important to an individual, and what they have chosen to uphold.

  20. Personal Mission Statement Essay

    Personal Mission Statement Essay. I dedicate myself to being the best son, brother and friend that I can possibly be. I will live my life responsibly and take charge of every aspect of my life and I will strive to be socially, physically and emotionally fit. Whatever I set my mind to, I will go about it with passion and determination and when I ...

  21. 19 Life Purpose Examples to Find Your True Purpose

    It may be for medical reasons, or your aim may be to achieve a certain physical appearance or build strength. This life purpose is for you if you're passionate about the physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of exercise. 7. Incorporating Music. "I will make music an integral part of my life.

  22. 11 Examples Of Life Purpose Statements That You Could Adopt

    6. "I plan on being the change I want to see in this world.". This is a more generalized life purpose statement, but a powerful one nonetheless. If you're struggling to figure out exactly what you want to do, but you know you want to do something to make the world a better place, then this is a good launching point.

  23. The Personal Essay

    The personal essay is a snippet of who you are and where you're coming from - a snapshot for the admissions officers to look at as they read your application. It will never be able to capture everything about you, but you want to make sure that you're giving them your best angle. So sit down, smile, and get to writing!

  24. How To Write a Narrative Essay Outline? Template and Example

    Personal Narrative Essay Outline To Structure An Appealing Essay. Examples of personal narrative outline show how to organise your personal story. These are the outlines that contain all elements to enable you to create an interesting personal narrative. These elements are comprehensively discussed below: Introduction: Hook, Background, Thesis ...