Hey there, fellow trailblazers! Danielle Gittens here, your friendly neighborhood construction guru and strategic planning enthusiast. Today, we’re diving into something that might sound a bit woo-woo but is actually a game-changer for anyone who owns a business: the personal mission statement.

Yes, you heard me right! This isn’t about crafting a vision for your company; it’s about creating a mission for yourself. You might be wondering, “Why on earth would I need a personal mission statement?” Well, sit tight, because I’m about to take you on a rollercoaster ride through my journey of self-discovery, strategic planning, and why you absolutely need to get on board with this idea.

The Spark That Ignited the Fire

It all started when I decided to jump into strategic planning for BMC (Brewington Management Company). Actually, scratch that. It really began when I joined the Goldman Sachs Cohort this past May. In our very first session, the Lead Facilitator dropped a bombshell: “Take a weekend to create a strategic plan to help achieve your goals.” Simple enough, right? Just jot down your goals, map out the steps, and slap some deadlines on them. But guess what? I had never actually done it.

Let’s state the obvious: strategic planning is crucial for company owners. It’s like having a GPS for your business journey. It gives you direction, helps manage risks, and makes sure you’re not just driving around aimlessly, hoping to stumble upon success. I wanted BMC to have a laser-focused approach to achieving our business goals, and strategic planning seemed like the perfect solution.

The Rabbit Hole of Wonders

So, I started asking around. I wanted to know if and how other business owners did their strategic planning. One day, I asked a fellow business owner about his strategic planning process. I expected a straightforward answer. Instead, I got a mind-blowing revelation.

When I asked him how he does his strategic planning, he casually mentioned, “Of course, I do strategic planning. But before that, do you have a written personal mission statement?” Cue the mental record scratch. Personal mission statement? I’ve done vision boards and set goals, but a mission statement? Nope, nada.

He explained that his personal mission provides a clearly explains of what drives him. It lays out what he aims to achieve personally and professionally, ensuring that his business aligns with his values, passions, and vision. This alignment creates a powerful synergy, making his Company a true reflection of who he is. And guess what? This clarity helps him make purpose-driven decisions and stay authentic in his journey.

The Lightbulb Moment

Suddenly, the light bulbs in my head started going off. I realized I had neglected some things that used to bring me joy and fulfillment, like mentoring and community service. Life had pulled me in various directions, and I had unintentionally let those passions slide. I remembered the recycling initiatives I wanted to start in St. Croix, VI, and the recycling programs I tried to improve at my friends’ homes. It was time to get back on track.

Inspired by my colleagues’ waterfall-visual mission statement (seriously, it was like his mission was diving off the page!), I decided to craft my own personal mission. Here’s the process I followed:

1. Take a sheet of paper and divide it into four quadrants.

2. In the 1st quadrant, list what you think you’re good at.

3. In the 2nd quadrant, list what others think you’re good at—ask your family, friends, and coworkers (this part is wild, trust me!).

4. In the 3rd quadrant, list what you must do—pay taxes, take vacations, care for kids/parents, etc.

5. In the 4th quadrant, list what you were put on earth to do.

6. Rank the items in each quadrant and pick the top 7. Now, you have 28 essential elements.

7. Reduce the 28 to 12, which may include combining similar elements.

8. Craft your personal mission statement from these 12 elements.

9. Create a visual that reflects your mission statement

The Result: My Personal Mission

I won’t reveal my personal mission verbatim because that’s my special mojo, but here’s a summary: I’m a skilled and dedicated leader in construction, committed to continuous growth and helping others. I value independence and well-being, actively support environmental sustainability, and strive to inspire and advocate for others, leaving a lasting positive impact on my community and the environment.

Why You Need a Personal Mission

Creating a personal mission statement has been nothing short of transformative. Here’s why you need one:

1. Clarity and Focus: It provides a clear understanding of what drives you and what you aim to achieve. This clarity helps you set meaningful goals and stay focused on what’s important.

2. Motivation and Drive: Your personal mission is a constant source of motivation and inspiration, especially during challenging times. It reminds you of your core purpose and why you started your journey in the first place.

3. Decision-Making Framework: It acts as a guiding principle in decision-making. It helps you evaluate options and make choices that align with your values and long-term vision.

4. Authenticity and Integrity: Acting in alignment with your personal mission ensures that you stay authentic and true to yourself, building trust with those around you.

5. Resilience: It builds resilience by keeping you focused on your ultimate goals, even when faced with obstacles and setbacks.

The Synergy with Strategic Planning

When your personal mission aligns with your business goals, magic happens. This alignment ensures that your business is a true reflection of your values, passions, and vision. It helps you evaluate and make choices that are consistent with your values, leading to authentic, purpose-driven decisions.

Since crafting my personal mission, I’ve felt more inspired and focused. It’s a constant reminder of my purpose and what feeds my soul. It shows how my personal and professional goals align, driving me to continuously grow and pursue excellence in various aspects of life.

So, what’s your personal mission? If you don’t have one yet, it’s time to get started. Trust me, it’s worth every moment of introspection. Not only will it guide you in your personal journey, but it will also elevate your business to new heights. Happy mission crafting!

Until next time….