I know that 90% of all 10 of the people who read my blog are technologists, so they might expect any productivity conversation to be heavily grounded in software tools. Well, software tools are incredibly valuable in being productive, but they alone can’t do much. The first principle of productivity is to understand what it is that you’re trying to be productive in.
I personally recommend starting at the highest, most wide-reaching level possible. In my opinion, that means starting with your mission(s) and values. It only takes about 20 minutes to really sit down and brainstorm these areas, but it will make such a huge difference in your productivity moving forward, that you should really give it a try. If nothing else, you’ll understand yourself a lot better when you do this.
Your mission(s) – ideally plural – should cover each of the major areas of your life. Everybody will probably identify different major areas, but there is often overlap. Your mission for each major area of your life covers the values which you live by and the purpose for your involvement in those areas.
As I post future productivity tips, the importance of this first step will become more apparent. It’s particularly helpful in monthly, weekly, and daily planning. But, we’ll get to those areas later.
For now, to help you get jump started writing your own missions and identifying your own values, I’ll share with you what mine are. Again, I suspect that there will be some overlap, but I’m equally as sure there will be some differences.
My Personal Mission Statement
I will be proactive in my life. This means my life is a product of my decisions based upon my values, rather than my feelings based upon my situations. I am my own programmer, creating my own reality. I have a vision for my own future and I will consistently live in a way that is aligned with the goal of realizing that vision. I will begin with the end in mind. I take leadership in my own life. I have decided my purpose, and I have decided my future course and destination. I will get where I am going and it will fulfill me. I put first things first, meaning I will focus my time and energy on the things which will bring the greatest positive impact in my life. I base my life first on my compass, and then on a clock/calendar. I will focus on the big rocks in my life, including preparation, prevention, relationship building, value affirmation & clarification, and deep meaningful communication with important people. The priorities in my life include:
- God
- Myself
- Family
- Career
- Friends
- Community
My Family Mission Statement
The Tinkler family of Brian, Belinda, Breanna, and Brock are a family that will focus on love, inclusion, understanding, appreciation, acceptance, and fun. We seek these things in how we interact with one another, in how we interact with other people, and in our general focus to do what we believe is right and just in all situations. We recognize that we make mistakes, yet do not judge one another. We recognize that we may each be weak at times, but are strong together. We recognize that it is our differences that come together in a unique way that makes us the best we can be individually and as a unified, strong, and ever-lasting family.
My Career Mission Statement
I will live according to my personal mission, values, and higher objectives, while seeking out opportunities for professional development and fulfillment. I will surround myself with highly skilled professionals who perceive similar values and career objectives as I do, namely to adhere to the principles of personal values while delivering value to customers. My personal objectives take first precedence, yet they must be aligned with my professional objectives in an inherent way. If ever my career is misaligned with my personal values and mission, then I will alter my career to match my personal mission and not the other way around. The hierarchy of importance within my own life is: 1) personal mission, 2) family mission, 3) career mission, 4) friendship mission, 5) community mission. I will continuously strive to keep this order alive and in balance with all I think, say, and do.
My Friendship Mission Statement
I strive to learn from everyone I meet, and to teach those who seek help. I will work to find ways to help others, for in helping others, I best help myself and demonstrate the true nature of friendship - to give, without expectation of receiving. I seek to live my life and value friendships in a way that exhibits the values, principles, and relationship actions that I would like others to reciprocate to me.
My Community Mission Statement
I will strive to make a positive difference in my community - locally, industry-wise, and in others who are trying to succeed in paths similar to my own.
My Spiritual Mission Statement
I will strive to understand God's wisdom and ways. I will search for God's handiwork in all I enjoy in life - myself, my family, my work, my friends, and my community. I will search to understand God's plan and to teach it to others. I believe I will have the blessings of God for this earnest pursuit, and that these blessings will lead to new and exciting opportunities, experiences, and successes on my road to eternal happiness.
Next time – Goals & Compass
Next time after that – Task Management & Calendaring (and we’ll talk some tools!)