Today we have a post by Sharifa that really gets to the heart of January goal-making: creating a Mission Statement for yourself and your community. In order to really get things done and stay on track with your Health Activist brand. Have you written a plan for what you want to accomplish? It’s worth a shot – especially when thinking of how you want to grow your community! –Amanda

Visualization: A Critical Step Toward Materialization

by Sharifa Simon-Roberts

As we are in the first month of the year still, I thought about how I could develop a post that would incorporate the resolutions of many Health Activists for 2012. Therefore, my mission here is to explore the very common term ‘mission statement’ not as it pertains to corporations but I wish to tailor this common concept to Health Activists. Whether it is for you personally, your blog, or for advancing your communities or others efforts directly related to raising awareness of your health community. I thought I’d share some suggestions with you to see what you thought – especially since this is a topic that we can continue to revisit all year as our Health Activism evolves.

First let’s breakdown what a mission statement is. After having studied Principles of Business and reading several mission statements, this is my interpretation: A mission statement is a declaration presented by an entity (it can be an organization or individual) explaining its purpose, goals and principles, and clearly identifying its target market.

I believe strongly, a mission statement can enhance the group, person, or venture it has been created for because it helps you to refine and focus on the intangible parts of your mission that are so important.

I expanded a bit and added some of the benefits of a mission statement. Now, I trust (OK, it’s more like hope) you are eagerly awaiting the revelation of… (Drum roll please) – How can you create a mission statement? Keep in mind that the tips here can be adapted to suit your needs and wants – individual, community, organization, blog, etc. So here goes:

1. Determine your mission or goal – it is understandable if it seems vast and wide at first but take some time to narrow it down and pinpoint the people you intend to reach and connect with. Here, you are adding clarity to what you want to accomplish as a Health Activist. Often, it helps if you jot down notes or even draw pictures as ideas come to you.
2. Reaffirm your mission and reasons why you focused on a specific facet – you are reminding yourself what you set out to do and why. Affirmations can provide the stimulation you need later.
3. Don’t be afraid to look back and alter your vision as you make progress – if along the road to creating that mission statement, you realize you want to modify your initial purpose, you should be flexible enough to make adjustments. Don’t worry – these changes do not mean you are indecisive or your goals were ill-defined at the start. It just means you are learning and being more specific. Recognize that changes can be a result of enlightenment, recent encounters you have had, or newly-acquired knowledge.
4. After the identification, reassertion and improvement of your objective – it’s time to dedicate yourself to writing this powerful statement. You want your mission to be high-quality and truly represent any revelations you may have had along the way and the journey/ process that you have been through. Given the importance you place on this statement, I suggest you unveil your mission statement in fine form. After all, it is a time to celebrate!

I would like to get your input. As a Health Activist, what is your mission statement or the mission statement of your community? If this is an aspect which is missing, why not create one? Remember to put thought into it, as it now becomes a representation of you and/or your community.

For 2012, I vow to create a mission statement for Sharifa Simon-Roberts; yes, that’s right my personal mission statement. Stay tuned.