A couple of days ago I sat down to write a marketing plan for my business ventures. I quickly stopped the process when I realized that I was not “standing” in a place that empowered me. I asked myself, “When people encounter me, what is it that I want them to “feel” without me having to say anything?”
It is said that people read more non-verbal communication than verbal. Therefore, what I am saying non-verbally is just as important as the words that come out of my mouth. In some cases, I suspect that if the words coming out of my mouth are not in alignment with my non-verbal “way of being”, people will be uncomfortable. Have you ever spoken with someone and said to yourself “I can’t put my finger on it, there is someone that does not feel right about so and so.”
Then and there it hit me that I needed a “place to stand” internally AND the willingness to speak from that place. This is nothing more than an exercise in authenticity. Being authentic to who you are.
So, in my way of operating that inspires me, I created a personal mission statement. A statement from which I can operate on a moment by moment basis. A virtual “place to stand” if you will. This also gives me the guidelines from which I can speak. Knowing what is important to me, my core values, provides for me a place from which I can speak.
So now I ask myself in a moment by moment basis “Am I speaking according to my mission?” If so, and I “own” my mission, then the person listening to me should see, feel and hear authenticity. If, buy their words, actions or non-verbal communication I sense they are not hearing me authentically, then I know that my words are not in alignment with my mission. In which case it is time to “check in” and realign myself accordingly.
I created a poster style personal mission statement that inspires me. I hope this inspires you to create your own personal mission statement and write it in a fashion that inspires you. Then the key is to Share it. That’s right. Share it. Make a declaration to everyone of your mission statement. This will help create accountability.
Good luck with your statement.
November 2, 2011
Family