My Journey Mission Statement

Have you heard of a Journey Mission Statement?

Its one of Steven Covey’s way of helping others help themselves, by first understanding themselves better. It is also closely tied to his 7 habits… by way of ‘First things First’ and knowing one’s self better.

Apparently, one comes up and builds up his/her own ‘mission in life’ through a series of questions… geared as to how one sees themselves or how one perceives certain traits.

I did mine… and once in a while, I revisit it – to both validate and update what I’d written down.

Now – in case I’ll be needing to transfer machines, or in the possible chance that I would misplace said files, I’ve decided on placing it in my blog. So here goes…

My Journey Mission Statement:

Explore what the universe has to offer as captain of a Starship:

I see my life as a journey… an exploration – meeting new people, experiencing different and new cultures, if at all possible. I would like to think that I can meet challenges and any need for change head-on, and I see myself like a legendary Starship Captain of Star Trek – with the roles of leader, peace keeper, and ambassador of goodwill.

I trust in what I can do, and the resources I can muster and keep the counsel of trusted and capable friends and family. I’m not afraid to make decisions that will affect my life – but I will tread a bit more carefully when it will involve the life of my family – for they should not suffer for possible mistakes I may stumble on.

As would a Starship captain – I would boldly go where no one has gone before… yet making sure that all moves are calculated properly, for the lives of a Captain’s crew and their family rests on his decisions and actions that he will take.

Build a legacy for better understanding and tolerance:

I aspire to make the world a better place, by emphasizing on improving communication and espouse better understanding of others. These can be better practiced with tolerance of what does not meet one’s norm or expectations, and the understanding of others’ viewpoints – to better realize where they are coming from – in this regard, I follow Steven Covey’s statement – “Seek first to understand, then be understood”. That can lead me through difficult situations, that, if not treated carefully, could easily escalate into an argument.

Had I been less receptive and open-minded, I’m sure such things would happen often.

Exerting effort for negative actions are equally tiring – if not more so than positive efforts. It put one on the defensive and extra effort may be necessary to provide safety. Why bother wasting time on negatives when positives are easier to focus on – help me get inspired and in the process energize me with adrenaline and inspiration… the natural high.

I would rather be living on a positive note than on negatives. Respect for others… their beliefs and their right to practice such beliefs, so long as such does not undermine mine or another’s belief in one way or another. Mutual respect will have to be practiced, accepted or at the very least, tolerated with a surplus of patience, and the need to ably put one’s self in the other’s shoe.

Too often do I see indifference, bias… I strive not to add to these global woes.

Ensure my children’s future as successful and independent caring leaders:

My children are my real legacy – they should and will endure, long after I am gone. My main responsibility in life is to give them the important lessons of wisdom and intelligence – those two traits that can make them strive for a better life, and allows them to be better human beings – to be looked upon as great and caring leaders.

Independence is important and I strive to make them learn to stand on their feet – knowing full well that they are capable of whatever challenges life will throw at them.

My children will continue in this world when I am gone – they will need all the rules and guidelines that they can use in life – I can’t promise to be with them forever nor be beside them at all times… I can make it a point though, that even if I’m gone, my lessons – my beliefs will continue to help ensure their safety… their living, and act as a solid value-driven foundation for their growth, and for their world.

In this respect, I consider myself a dreamer, an idealist and leader with a legacy and responsibility to uphold. Global citizenship needs to make the world a better place to live in – unfortunately, this is not an easy task… and it will take time, maybe even generations – to help fulfill this goal.

Like any journey – it has to start somewhere, and the steps need not be grand, it can start with me – until I can emulate what it is I wish to be – then I can start influencing others within my circle of influence, and hope that they, in turn, will influence others as well. This promises to be an experience worth doing and one worth sharing.

So here I am, taking those small steps, that will lead to bigger steps.

Note: originally posted last December 2006 in blogspot.com – but corrected/updated for this blog post.