A True Purpose

Author, Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) made this statement: "An aim in life is the only fortune worth finding, and it is not to be found in foreign lands, but in the heart itself."  Every person has a purpose to fulfill.  Every business, church or organization has a mission or purpose to achieve.  Humankind is made in such a way that without the awareness of our purpose in life, we become disorientated and discouraged.  Many have lost their will to live simply because they found nothing to live for.

                Have you ever written out a personal mission statement?  This is a short, yet descriptive statement of what you believe you are meant to do in life.  In business and in organizations, mission statements are commonplace, but even then, do people know what they are.  Think about it.  Can you, right now without searching for it, recite the mission statement of the company you work for, the church you attend or the organizations you belong too?  How can you achieve their goals if you do not know what they are?

“The Boy Scouts of America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.”

– Boy Scouts of America Vision Statement

                Above you see the vision statement for the BSA. Every leader in the Scouting organization should know and follow this statement. A clear vision statement allows us to know where we are going and just how we intend to get there. As you can see, the BSA statement is a tall order, but it is one that can be achieved.

                This is even more important when it comes to your personal purpose.  What is it that you believe you are here to do?  If you allow me, I would like to share my personal mission statement with you.  I designed this several years ago after attending a seminar where this principle was taught.  It took me many days to get it right, but I have not changed it and I strive to achieve it every day:

"To be a consistent example and teacher of personal excellence and leadership skills.  To live a life that will show the reality of Jesus Christ in the life of a believer."

                When I am setting goals, creating action plans and looking at my future, this is my starting point.  If I stray from this, I know I am heading in the wrong direction, no matter how good it may seem.  Your mission statement is your anchor and your roadmap.

                If you have not made a personal mission statement, here are some tips on doing this.  First, please understand, you will not do this in a few minutes.  This can take days, maybe months to get it right.  What is right?  Right is where you know inside that this is what you are meant to do.  It is creating something that is narrow enough to give you direction and guidelines, yet broad enough to allow you to be creative and expand in the future. 

What do you love to do?  Your purpose will not be something you hate.  It is your dream, your passion, and your life.  You may not have been in a place to fully do this yet, but you still can.

What are your strengths?  Do not waste time trying to be strong in areas that you are weak.  Find where are you already strong and build on that.  What do you do well? 

How will this affect others?  Remember, your purpose is not just to make you feel good and give you the things you want.  You are here for others first.  If your mission does not make the lives of others better, you are missing the point.

                On your first try, you may have a full paragraph or even a page to work with.  In the end, you want to bring it down to one or two sentences.  You can use the two statements above (mine and the BSA) but do not copy them.  This must be your purpose, your statement.

You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

Scouting Out of Uniform is a personal blog based on the lessons learned from Scouting that relate to personal development and success principles and is not an official site of The Boy Scouts of America. John Patrick Hickey does not represent or speak for the Scouting program; however, he does completely support and encourages Scouting for both young and old. John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Personal Development Coach, and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2018 John Patrick Hickey