7 habits asks that you create a ‘personal mission statement’ for yourself. it’s an unwavering statement of the principles you plan to live your life by. ‘unwavering’ meaning, like the U.S. constitution, the principle statements are meant to be timeless and able to withstand change.
though it sounds hokey, the point is that a person ought to explicitly state their core principles, and deeply understand them – because you want them to be at the core of what drives your behavior and attitude.
in the absence of principles, most of us are driven by default by externally-based ‘centers’. being family-centered, spouse-centered, money-centered, work-centered, possession-centered, friend-centered, etc. we act to satisfy those things, and when it goes bad, we go bad.
at first it seems natural and right to be some of those things, like being family-centered. the point is that your core shouldn’t be based on anything external…because when the shit hits the fan, you want principles to guide you. families, spouses, work, money…they can all come and go.
now, this doesn’t mean that you should become and island and not have anything affect you. in fact, the mission statement states how you intend to fulfill all the different roles in your life. you just don’t want to be dependent. dependent = bad. independent = good. interdependent = best.
so i read those descriptions and found none of them fit me. they fit lots of people i know. but not me. i must be perfect already, i thought. not quite. i am (surprise) self-centered. driven by that which statisfies…me. more on this another time.
anyways, i wrote a personal mission statement back in October 1998 when i first started to read (but never finished) 7 habits…here it is…
RICH’S MISSION
AS A PERSON LIVING ACCORDING TO PRINCIPLES…
• Freely and confidently do things that are useful, make me happy, and are aligned with my principles.
• Carry a relaxed, positive energy and attitude with me everywhere I go. Make people feel comfortable.
• View weaknesses in others with compassion. Subordinate anger to understanding.
• Don’t become jaded by life’s downturns. When in a bum mood, keep it to myself. It’ll pass.
• Always keep my word.
AS A FAMILY MEMBER AND FRIEND…
• Bring people together.
• Stay in touch. Know and care about what’s up with others, and tell them about myself.
• Make people happy.
• Know the people most important to me. Value them, and maintain the relationship even if they falter. In times of need, there are no compromises for these people.
• When people freak out, be a good listener. Let them vent.
• Don’t hold grudges.
• When out having fun, don’t bitch. Have fun.
AS A WORKING PROFESSIONAL…
• Organize and execute around priorities.
• Schedule time for important but not urgent tasks.
• Boil things down to the key points.
• Don’t just do, but follow-up as well.
• Make contact by phone whenever possible. Work out the details in e-mail.
• Don’t hesitate to talk to anyone for any reason.
• Bring a light-hearted sense of humor where there isn’t any.
• Get ahead by developing respect, not playing politics.
• Be a good listener, and understand the feelings that are being communicated along with the words.
AS A SCHOLAR…
• Take classes with an attitude of learning, not getting a grade.
• Learn material as if I need to teach it to others.
• Discuss the topics with others.
AS AN INDIVIDUAL SEEKING TO IMPROVE HIMSELF…
• Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself.
• That thing I’ve always wanted to learn, but was afraid of trying? Do it.
• Eat well, eat light, and eat often.
• Workout or play a sport at least 5 times per week. Do stuff outside before working out inside.
AS A MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY…
• Participate in at least one volunteer activity.
• Be friendly with and chat with strangers.
• Be calm and patient when driving.
