Mission Possible

“I am not a has-been. I am a will be.”

- Lauren Bacall

 

Yesterday marked the end of the mentoring program for middle school girls that I blogged about several weeks ago (see “Advice from You to You, ” Oct 10). Throughout the 8 weeks, the girls explored topics like “I define me,” “Be a friend, have a friend,” and “My choice, my consequence,” which encouraged them to think critically about the decisions they make as they approach high school, go off to college, and enter adulthood. Upon completion, each girl presented her own personal mission statement, describing who she is, where she's going, and how she intends to get there. When I introduced this concept several weeks ago, they were uncertain what they were “supposed” to write. Instead of following a cookie-cutter example, they were encouraged to dig deeply into themselves, consider their goals and potential obstacles, and write a statement that is “uniquely them.” In this, my third year facilitating the program – with a different set of girls each time – I was once again moved by their insight, candor and determination.

To quote a few:

“... I'm going to be the first in my family to finish college...” “... no one can make me feel inferior unless I allow them to...” “...I'm beautiful because I believe I am...” “... people say I can't do that because I'm a girl but they don't know how determined I am to succeed...” “... I am precious because God made me that way...”

Have you ever written a personal mission statement?

Who, what and how do you want to be physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and financially? Is your mission to raise to a healthy family, be a better friend, build your career, or start your own business? Perhaps you seek to help others who are in need, continue your education, or find love again. Whatever your goals, have you invested the time to articulate your vision and create a plan to make it happen?

I know what you're thinking, and trust me; I get it. With jobs, families, the upcoming holidays, and all the things that fill our 24 hours, it seems that not much time is left to reflect on the things we want. But I encourage you to take just a few minutes each week to think about – and write down – where you want this life to take you, and how it may become a reality.

As for the girls, my hope for these future pediatricians, entrepreneurs, cosmetologists, veterinarians, crime scene investigators, etc. is that they take their own words to heart and refer to them often. Though the program has ended, this is the beginning of a new chapter in their journeys toward fulfilling their personal missions.

What would you include in your personal mission statement?