Wrong Target

It was a mistake that cost Matthew Emmons an Olympic gold medal in 2004.

On the track for the gold in the fifty meter, three position rifle final, Emmons was up for his final shot. He was so far ahead of the other competitors that all he had to do was place his bullet anywhere in the inner ring of the target to seal his gold medal. He prepared himself, paused his breathing, and took aim. He pulled the trigger. The bullet passed right through the bull’s-eye. However, he was puzzled when the tone indicating a hit didn’t sound. Matthew then realized that the bull’s-eye he had hit was on the wrong target. He dropped from first place to eighth.

The right shot hitting the wrong target will not win you a gold medal. Equally, a person living off mission will not accomplish the purpose for which they were born.

The more clearly you understand your mission, the better prepared you are to aim your life in the right direction.

Why do you need a personal mission statement?

Many corporations and businesses have mission statements. Mission statements are meant to infuse an organization with long-term vision and set the tone for all company goals, accomplishments and efforts.

So, what’s a personal mission statement?

Similarly, a personal mission acts as an invisible guide that leads you in the best path for your life’s contribution. Your personal mission statement is a bit different from a business mission statement, but the fundamental principles would be the same.

Having a personal mission statement does 2 things:

1. It provides clarity and gives you a sense of purpose.
2. It defines who you are and how you will live.

What is your mission?

How do you know you are aiming at the right target?