My Life
A Mission or Personal Vision Statement (VV1) We begin this seminar with the development of a personal mission or vision statement. We use this statement in this seminar to emphasize that your time at the UW begins with dreams and visions you hold for the life that is still ahead of you. We ask you to write a mission statement that is reflective of who you are and what your sense of calling, purpose, vocation, or meaning of life. Mission statements are helpful for many reasons, but primarily they are used as a tool to encourage you to consciously reflect on who you are and what you are doing at the UW. As you progress through your educational experience here, you will find that you will take many side roads, you will wander off the path, hurry ahead of yourself, and even become unsure and hidden in the brambles. We have found that a personal mission statement is helpful when the way becomes cloudy; to return to a written statement of your essence and purpose in life can often help you forge your chosen path.
Definitions[1]:
• “Values: ‘Concepts, principles, or standards that drive one’s decisions and actions.’ Examples of values are honesty, persistence, dependability, self-sufficiency, and faith.”
• A vision statement: ‘A statement of three or four sentences describing a desired future – not a predicted future.’ Here is an example of a vision statement (stated as if the vision has already been achieved, so that it is positive and powerful): ‘I am a person who is peaceful and an example to others of that peace, which comes from faith in God. I am considered to be an inspirational teacher of great integrity. I lead a simple life style that includes plenty of time for myself, my family, and my friends as well as service to others.’
• A mission statement: ‘A succinct, easy-to-remember statement that provides direction for one’s life.’ Here is an example of a very short mission statement developed from the sample vision statement quoted above:
Definitions[1]:
• “Values: ‘Concepts, principles, or standards that drive one’s decisions and actions.’ Examples of values are honesty, persistence, dependability, self-sufficiency, and faith.”
• A vision statement: ‘A statement of three or four sentences describing a desired future – not a predicted future.’ Here is an example of a vision statement (stated as if the vision has already been achieved, so that it is positive and powerful): ‘I am a person who is peaceful and an example to others of that peace, which comes from faith in God. I am considered to be an inspirational teacher of great integrity. I lead a simple life style that includes plenty of time for myself, my family, and my friends as well as service to others.’
• A mission statement: ‘A succinct, easy-to-remember statement that provides direction for one’s life.’ Here is an example of a very short mission statement developed from the sample vision statement quoted above: