Five Steps to a Life Mission Statement: An Interview with Anne Naylor

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Anne Naylor. A consultant in personal motivation since 1982, Anne has written three personal development books: Superlife, Superlove, and Superyou. She specializes in consulting for individuals in transition or those wishing to improve the quality of their lives. She is also a fellow blogger for The Huffington Post.

Question: Since you have clearly outlined a mission statement for yourself--"building a better world on the solid foundation of individual health, wealth, and happiness and the appreciation of human value"--and have specialized in helping others do that, I was wondering if you could outline five steps for my readers to write a life mission statement.

Anne:

1. Know yourself.

Imagine that you were born to fulfil an important mission in your lifetime. What might that be?

2. Access your passion.

What most touches you in your immediate, or greater world around you? Is there a cause that you feel deeply about? What influence would you like to express, changes you would like to make? How would you like to make a difference, and to whom?

3. Make your heart sing.

What purpose would give your life greatest meaning? A Life Mission Statement is a bit like wearing an elegant pair of shoes. It has a perfect fit for you and will comfortably take you the distance. When you are fulfilling your Life Mission Statement, you will hear your heart sing.

4. Identify your contribution.

What is your specific contribution? What do you love to do? What gifts, talents and skills do you most enjoy expressing?

5. Envision the outcome.

What are the results you will be observing and experiencing through fulfilling your Life Mission Statement? How will your world be a better place through your intention and actions?

Question: Where would you say most people go wrong in that process? How can you avoid falling into the traps?

Anne:

1. Trying to please others.

First please yourself by being true to yourself. You will find that you will contribute much more to others through being at one with your best self.

2. Trying to be something you are not (even if it sounds good).

Trust and honour your uniqueness. Esteem yourself. Value who you are and your own special strengths and qualities.

3. Trying to control others.

The fulfilment of your Life Mission is not dependent upon anyone else doing what you want them to do. Others may support you in what you are doing. You may have a team or be part of one.

4. Being against a situation you would like to change.

It is more effective to be creatively for a new outcome you would like to bring about. Focus on what you would like to produce more of, not against what you are looking to change. Energy follows thought. So keep your thinking positive and uplifting. Go for what you want!

5. Self-doubting.

Listen to your intuition for what is true for you. Trust your gut feel about what is right.