Personal Mission Statement (Covey Method)
emotional · medium · Several weeks for initial creation, 1-2 hours annually for revision
What is Personal Mission Statement (Covey Method)?
Stephen Covey's method for creating a personal constitution — a written statement of your values, roles, and goals that serves as the criterion for all major decisions. Based on Habit 2 ('Begin With the End in Mind') from the 7 Habits framework.
Is there evidence for it?
EVIDENCEmoderate
How do you do Personal Mission Statement (Covey Method)?
- 1.Begin with the 'funeral visualization': imagine four speakers at your funeral — from family, friends, work, and community. Write what you want each to say about you.
- 2.Identify your core roles (e.g., parent, partner, professional, friend, community member, learner) and define what success looks like in each
- 3.Examine your deepest paradigms: what centers your life currently — work, money, family, pleasure, principles? Covey argues only principle-centered lives achieve lasting effectiveness
- 4.Write a draft mission statement incorporating your values, principles, and desired contribution — expect this to take weeks of reflection and multiple revisions
- 5.Use your mission statement as a daily decision-making tool: when facing a choice, ask 'Does this align with my personal constitution?' Review and revise annually.
How long does it take?
Several weeks for initial creation, 1-2 hours annually for revision.
Is it hard to start?
medium.
Source: Stephen R. Covey, 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' (1989), Habit 2
mission-statement · purpose · values · covey · 7-habits · principles · vision
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