I’m surprised how few people know the difference between a vision statement and a mission statement; however, I’m even more surprised that people don’t have their own, personal vision and mission statement.
If Gen Y can get this right at our age, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish. It focuses us. Can you even imagine how much we can do if we’re focused in an A.D.D. world.
Let’s start the discussion with definitions:
Vision Statement: This simple ONE sentence tells where exactly you want to be.
It’s the WHY behind everything. You should be able to look at that statement and ask yourself the same question anytime you have a decision to make.
“How does this decision move me closer towards that vision?”
Mission Statement: ONE (or possibly 2) sentences that explains the things you do regularly to achieve your mission.
This is the HOW you are going to get there. It involves activities that contribute to the end result you’ve laid out in the vision statement.
Believe it or not, it’s much easier to do this for an organization than it is for an individual…Especially if you’re a Gen-Y. We hate commitment. This sounds an awfully lot like a rule/chain and we’d rather not be tied down.
GOOD NEWS! It’s not a rule, it’s a principle.
Principles guide you in your decisions. No matter where you are in life, you can still use your vision.
Write it out. Maybe think of it as pre-writing your tombstone quote. What do you want people to remember about you? Better yet, what do you want to be? (hint: rich sounds stupid on a tombstone)
I think a great vision is used by my church. It’s simply “To be found faithful as God’s people.” No matter what else, every member of the organization can ask themselves with every decision I make, does this help me to be found faithful as God’s people?
What about you? Do you have a Personal Vision Statement? If not, do you think it could help you understand where you’re going and make decisions along the way?
I do.
The Thinking Leader 