So how is your New Year’s resolution working for you? January 17, 2021 is Quitters Day or Ditch New Years’ Resolutions Day. Many people will have dumped their resolutions by this date. Setting resolutions can be fun. We embrace the challenge of making changes in our lives at the beginning of the year. It gives us something to talk about and share with others.
Resolutions, however, can also increase stress. A resolution addresses actions that need to be taken. This means a change in behavior is required. New habits must form. Three reasons contribute to failed new year’s resolutions. One, many of us hate change. Two, established habits are hard to break. Three, we also lose interest when we do not experience progress.
Do This Instead
Instead of writing resolutions, I encourage working women to develop a personal mission statement. A personal mission statement describes the true essence of a person. The mission statement conveys the emotional connection of the person who wrote it to the sentiment. The statement also provides insight into the person’s thoughts, beliefs, actions, and behaviors. A clearly defined mission statement is a powerful stress management tool.
Companies and non-profit organizations use mission statements to communicate who they are, what they do and why they do it. Every interaction involving the company should demonstrate the mission statement. Company policies and procedures are derived from the company’s mission statement. Consequently, the mission creates a recognizable culture within the company.
Power is in the Mission Statement
I learned the power of a clearly defined mission statement when I worked for the American Heart Association as a program coordinator. All employees were expected to learn and live the mission. The American Heart Association promoted heart healthy lifestyles to the community and to its employees. Everyone involved in the organization had an opportunity to participate in developing the mission statement. Board members, executives, volunteers, program staff, development staff, and support staff provided input during the process.
The organization understood that participation fostered a belief in and commitment to the mission of the organization.
A mission statement is not the company slogan or catch phrase. It is not used in an advertising campaign. Companies use mission statements to communicate a message to the public.
Notable company mission statements
- Walmart
“We save people money so they can live better.” - Coca Cola
“To refresh the world…To inspire moments of optimism and happiness…To create value and make a difference.” - Southwest Air
“Dedication to the highest quality of Customer Service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and Company Spirit.” - Toyota
“To attract and attain customers with high-valued products and services and the most satisfying ownership experience in America.”
How does a personal mission statement lower stress and benefit working women?
A personal mission statement provides
Clarity of Purpose – clarity of purpose allows the mission holder to focus their energy, attention, and movement toward the fulfillment of the mission. Most missions are never completed. We work to fulfill them. All thoughts, feelings, actions, and behaviors must align with the stated mission. Once the mission holder moves in the direction of their stated mission, it allows them to push aside unnecessary baggage and distractions.
Thoughtful Decisions – decision making is easier. All decisions are made based on how well the decision aligns with the mission statement. The mission holder looks beyond making a good or bad decision. They consider how the decision influences or impacts the mission statement. Decisions that do not support the stated mission stand out.
Filtering – the mission statement provides a filter for thoughts, feelings, and reactions. When a thought does not align with the spirit or intent of the mission statement, the mission holder can simply discard it. We tend to hold on to thoughts and feelings that do not support health and well-being. By filtering our thoughts and feelings through the stated mission, we can respond in a way that affirms the mission.
The Plan
Over the next few weeks, we will spend time sharing the benefits a clearly defined personal mission statement has on stress management. We look forward to hearing from you as we take this journey together.
My method is not for the woman who wants a quick fix. Your life is complex and so is the stress you experience. I am working with women who desire to live quality lives and are willing to commit to a process to get there.
I offer several options to help you on this journey.
Get to Know Me:
Stress Talk “Live” with Marcyline Bailey
Stress Talk Facebook group
Stress Talk with Marcyline Bailey Podcast
Self-Help:
Take the “Ish” Out of Selfish and Put Self First
“Here is to your sustainable, successful and satisfying stress managed life.”
Visit the M.L. Bailey Consultants website to view our calendar of events. Join the conversation by liking our Facebook page, following me on Instagram and connecting with me on LinkedIn.