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Short term: To continue my career with a progressive employer that allows
me to use my skills, talent, and values to achieve success for the firm.
Long term: To develop other outlets for my talents and develop a longer-
term plan for diversifying my life and achieving both professional and personal

success.
5. Mission Statement:
To live life completely, honestly, and compassionately, with a healthy dose
of realism mixed with the imagination and dreams that all things are possible if
one sets their mind to finding an answer.
Vision Statement:
To be the CEO of a firm that I start, that provides educational exercise
experiences to K–6 schools. My company will improve children’s health and
fitness, and create a lasting positive impact on their lives, and that of their
children.
Step 1: Identify Past Successes. Spend some time identifying four or five
examples where you have had personal success in recent years. These successes
could be at work, in your community, or at home. Write them down. Try to identify
whether there is a common theme—or themes—to these examples. Write them down.
Step 2: Identify Core Values. Develop a list of attributes that you believe
identify who you are and what your priorities are. The list can be as long as you need.
Once your list is complete, see whether you can narrow your values to five or six
most important values. Finally, see whether you can choose the one value that is most
important to you. We’ve added “Generating Ideas for Your Mission and Vision” to
help jog your memory and brainstorm about what you do well and really like to do.
Step 3: Identify Contributions. Make a list of the ways you could make a
difference. In an ideal situation, how could you contribute best to:
• the world in general
• your family
• your employer or future employers
• your friends
• your community
Generating Ideas for Your Mission and Vision
A useful mission and vision statement should include two pieces: what you
wish to accomplish and contribute and who you want to be, the character strengths
and qualities you wish to develop. While this sounds simple, those pieces of
information are not always obvious. Try these tools for generating valuable
information about yourself.
Part I
1. Describe your ideal day. This is not about being practical. It is designed
to include as many sides of you and your enthusiasms as possible: creative,
competent, artistic, introverted, extraverted, athletic, playful, nurturing,
contemplative, and so on.
2. Imagine yourself 132 years old and surrounded by your descendants or
those descendants of your friends. You are in a warm and relaxed atmosphere
(such as around a fireplace). What would you say to them about what is important

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