Personal Mission Statement

Five years from now, do you want to be doing the same things you are doing now? What specific areas would you like changed? It's nice to daydream about an ideal future, but nothing will ever change without developing a personal roadmap to guide your way.

Personal Mission Statement

Insanity has been defined as "doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results." if you are not seeing the personal outcomes you want, then you need to make some adjustments.

Another familiar quotation is "to fail to plan is to plan to fail." if you are not planning your personal life journey, then it is highly unlikely that you will arrive where you ultimately would like to go.

A personal mission statement is a concise description of what you want to be and what you would like to accomplish in certain area(s) of your life over the next three to five years. It is an opportunity to establish clarity of direction and strategize the most effective way to invest your energy, personality, and talents. It is an excellent way to "begin with the end in mind."

Mission statements are crafted to bring direction and focus. In order to make an effective personal mission statement, you need to connect with your inner self and your own unique purpose. You need to decide what is really important.

Take inventory of your talents and gifts. Be brutally honest and seek feedback from a trusted friend or advisor if necessary. Decide where your passion lies. Use reflective and exploratory questions such as: what one thing can i do very well? Where should my life focus be?

Make it simple and brief - distill your important desires, roles, and values into a sentence or two that will guide and energize your everyday life. The mission statement should be framed as a positive affirmation, compelling and inspirational.

The personal mission statement is not cast in stone, but is a dynamic vehicle of self-discovery. It should evolve as you gain further insights and continue to refine your sense of purpose in life.

Life is a wonderful gift. Enjoy your journey as you navigate your way towards fulfilling your dreams!

References

Mission statement examples

The five-step plan for creating personal mission statements

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VickyRN

About VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN

VickyRN, PhD, RN, is a certified nurse educator (NLN) and certified gerontology nurse (ANCC). Her research interests include: the special health and social needs of the vulnerable older adult population; registered nurse staffing and resident outcomes in intermediate care nursing facilities; and, innovations in avoiding institutionalization of frail elderly clients by providing long-term care services and supports in the community. She is a Professor in a large baccalaureate nursing program in North Carolina.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Thanks for the references. I'll check them out. Coincidentally, I taught a class on this topic just this morning. (I teach a class on career planning as part of our orientation program each month.)

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Many people "begin with an end in mind" but how often does life not follow our "plans"?

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.
Many people "begin with an end in mind" but how often does life not follow our "plans"?

Good question. The mission statement is meant to be dynamic - that is flexible enough to roll with the unexpected punches or twists or turns that life often brings.

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Specializes in Education and oncology.

Hi Vicky-you are a wonderful resource with allnurses.

So, here I am, just relocating to Fl after 8 years in Boston. Having trouble finding job as I am over qualified. Got MSN, AOCNS and Moffitt is sending me packing. I love your perspective and will humble myself. What can I do well?

Teach. Care for patients. Give to my students and give example. I love nursing and all we do. Perfect? no. But I am committed.

I have no job but holding my breath that Moffitt will give me another chance.

Keep you posted and thankful to be in sunny and hot Fl.

Jessie

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

This information is exactly what I've been looking for--Thank you!!!!

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Specializes in CCU, Geriatrics, Critical Care, Tele.

Great Article Vicky!

I always loved the line:

Insanity has been defined as “doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results.”
I've been guilty of being insane before based on this rule, until I realize I got to change some things for change to happen ;)
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Specializes in Critical Care/Cardiac/Educator.

Thank you so much Vicky for posting this. I'm teaching a Mini "Transition to Practice" course this summer. Your timing is perfect. Thanks again!!

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Well! I want to become a traveling nurse all over the world! Im young and i love to take care of the elderly! When i was in job corp working at this nursing home they loved me! I had a chance to meet some nice residents and it was wonderful! When it was my time to leave for good i cried! I love to take care of the elderly! :)

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

Wonderful, Liles! :)

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