Personal Vision Statement
This is your personal vision statement — your personal why for doing this kind of work. It’s why you’ve chosen this business for you, for this lifetime. It’s concise and to the point.
These statements will evolve as we move through the next modules. This piece of copy may stay between you and you as a little anchor — why you’re doing this business, why you’ve chosen this life. It might become something you integrate into your public copy as well. For now, you’re writing it for yourself.
If you can’t come up with something catchy right away, that’s okay. Start with a few words that sum up the “why” behind your business. This could be things like: freedom, financial stability, ethics, impact.
This is big stuff — your life’s meaning. Don’t worry if it doesn’t come to you quickly. As we work through this workshop, it will become clearer and clearer how these statements emerge and settle.
Here are five examples of succinct personal vision / mission statements from well-known people that may inspire you:
“To be a teacher. And to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be.” Oprah Winfrey
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Maya Angelou
“To have fun in [my] journey through life and learn from [my] mistakes.” Richard Branson
“To make people happy.” Walt Disney
“To serve as a leader, live a balanced life, and apply ethical principles to make a significant difference.” Denise Morrison
Create Your Personal Vision Statement
- What is the core feeling or experience you want your work to create — for you and for others?
(e.g., freedom, connection, impact, stability, beauty, healing) - If your business was the vehicle for your life’s purpose, what is that purpose in its simplest form?
(Think: why this work, why now, why you?) - What value or principle feels non-negotiable in the way you run your business and live your life?
(e.g., integrity, creativity, gentleness, courage) - When you imagine yourself at your most aligned, empowered, and honest — what are you doing and why does it matter?
- If you had to describe the essence of your work in one short sentence that you would want to guide every decision you make, what would it be?
