The Value of Writing a Mission Statement

Years ago, someone suggested I write a personal mission statement. At the time, I didn’t see the value in describing my life’s mission. 

But as time went on I realized my reservations about writing a mission statement were more about my fears of confronting the truth -- that I hadn’t really thought about what my life’s purpose might be.

But the more I read, travelled, volunteered, and found ways to infuse my life with meaning, the more I began to appreciate the value of gathering those experiences and putting them to paper. I decided that my mission statement would be a collection of values, principles, and aspirations that I could refer back to whenever I needed a reminder of WHY I was doing what I was doing. 

I spent several years refining a declaration that was heavily influenced by the authors, speakers, and thinkers I most admired.

I suggest collecting your own ideas and creating a statement. It doesn’t have to be lengthy and you need not share it with a soul. 

It's just a little template for your to refer back to when that path ahead seems less clear or unchartered all together.

Start Your Own Artists' Colony

“Mobilize a group of people around a set of values and mission that drives the enterprise to new levels – to make ordinary people do extraordinary things. To give them the tools to build a great team.”

It's Easier Than It Sounds

Forming a meet-up group is easy but you want to make sure you cultivate an environment of like-mindedness, positivity, and support.  

Each member should be equally committed to the overall team objectives, and display a willingness to collaborate.  An ambivalent and uncompromising person can be toxic to the group’s dynamic.  

As a result, you may spend most of your time putting out fires rather than focusing on the important stuff.

A Few Simple Steps for Getting a Crew Together:

1. Ask people who you think will bring out your greatest potential and push you to be a better artist

2. Set a time and location and stick to it!

3. Make sure everyone is one the same page about the group's overall mission

4. Create a safe space where people can be vulnerable without being judged or ridiculed

5. Be consistent

Not Easily Discouraged

This morning I met with the owner of a very prominent and well-respected company in my hometown. Her products seemed to line every storefront I passed by and locals sported her apparel with spirited pride.

I showed up at 10:30 am on the dot and was greeted by a gracious employee of hers. I waited in a makeshift boardroom for a few minutes before she entered. She was kind and quietly took the seat opposite me.

Conscious of her time, I cracked open my laptop and read off the questions I'd prepared well in advance. I wanted some advice on how to start my own project and whether or not she thought it had the legs to be a company, or if it was just a passion project. "I'm going to do it either way," I beamed. "But if it's a side project, others priorities will have to come first." She nodded.

She answered each question succinctly and without pulling any punches. "First you have to get clear on what exactly your site does," she said. I agreed. The truth is, I'd given it a great deal of thought, too much in fact, and had lost sight of my original mission: to create community through positive stories.

By the end of our conversation I also appreciated the complicated nuances and vast challenges she faced on a day-to-day basis. Everyone seemed to have an image of her brand, but it was clear there was much more challenges happening behind the scenes. She explained some frustrations about how the city was changing and doubts about the value of her work. I tried to assure her that what she and her company did for the city were both exceptional and important. She smiled.

As I left and listed all the reasons why she thought my new venture might not be suitable for a business, I left far less discouraged than I would have had I not been an actor for many years. Being an actor had taught me the crucial attribute of resilience and taking things in stride. I possessed a versatility in my thinking that most people didn't possess and it was largely due to my background in the arts. I'd also learned to be relentlessly optimistic, but also not delusional - also a very important quality to seek and balance to strike.

As I gathered my belongings and headed for the door she said, "I admire your passion." I smiled. It's the only way I know how to be, I thought.