Happy Friday, everyone!

As we step into the first full week of the new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our mission, vision, and values. The start of the year is often filled with resolutions, goals, and a renewed sense of purpose. Personally, I find revisiting my Mission, Vision, and Values to be a powerful exercise that sets the tone for the year ahead. Today, let’s focus on crafting and reassessing our mission statements.

Why a Mission Statement Matters

A mission statement acts as a compass, providing direction and purpose in our daily lives. Scientific studies have even shown that having a strong sense of purpose can contribute to a longer and more fulfilling life.

Crafting Your Mission Statement

In Japanese philosophy, this concept is known as “ikigai,” or the reason for being. To discover your ikigai, ask yourself four key questions:

• What do you love?
• What are you good at?
• What does the world need?
• What can you be paid for?

Additionally, the Zone of Genius concept found in Gay Hendricks’s The Big Leap offers valuable insights.
He suggests asking these questions

• What do I most love to do? (“I love it so much I can do it for long stretches of time without getting tired or bored.”)
• What work do I do that doesn’t seem like work? (“I can do it all day long without ever feeling tired or bored?”)
• In my work, what produces the highest ratio of abundance and satisfaction to the amount of time spent? (Even if I do only ten seconds or a few minutes of it, an idea or a deeper connection may spring forth that leads to huge value.)
• What is my unique ability? (“There’s a special skill I’m gifted with. This unique ability, fully realized and put to work, can provide enormous benefits to me and any organizations I serve.”)

Putting it Into Practice

My personal mission is to “make the most of every day, fostering intimacy and connection with myself and others.” It’s concise yet impactful, guiding me in decisions both significant and mundane. Your mission statement should be a reflection of what truly matters to you.

Crafting a mission statement isn’t a one-and-done task; it’s an ongoing, iterative process. Take the time for thoughtful consideration, understanding that your mission may evolve as you grow and experience new facets of life. The beginning of the year is an opportune moment to revisit, refine, and refocus, ensuring alignment with your current aspirations.

Questions of the Week

Do you have a personal mission statement?
When was the last time you revisited it?
How can your mission statement propel you forward in achieving your resolutions or goals?

As we embark on 2024, may your mission guide you toward a year filled with purpose, growth, and meaningful connections. Cheers to a fantastic week ahead!

Reminder of the Week

As you’ve likely noticed, I’ve revamped the usual Five-Minute Friday format based on feedback and reflection, aiming to provide you with more valuable insights.
Every week, I’ll remind you of important topics and deadlines coming your way. Some coming up are:

• 4th Quarter Estimated Tax Day: 1/16/24
• Tax Forms Deadline (including 1099s): 1/31/24