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Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Your Mission Statement

1. What is a Mission Statement?

Engage in a series of conversations with your family about what a mission statement is, why you want to create one, what you plan to include, and ask them to begin evaluating their own values, beliefs, desires, dreams, and goals.

Use a whiteboard or a large sheet in a central location where everyone can jot down thoughts as they come.

2. Make a List

After an allotted amount of time is given for everyone to brainstorm, hold a meeting and make lists as you discuss the following topics. Lists can be very long at first. You’ll pare them down in a later meeting.

3. Values

What values does each person hold most dear? Is it quality time with loved ones? Service? Gentleness? Consciousness and presence?

4. Beliefs

For example, our family believes all humans and animals deserve to be treated with kindness. What are your beliefs?

5. Goals

List individual goals and family goals. This can range from cultivating more self-control to making the baseball team or starting your own business.

6. Narrow it Down

Once you have a comprehensive list of values, beliefs, and goals, hold another meeting to nail down the mission of your family. It must be agreed upon by all members, and remember that everyone has a voice in the family mission statement.

7. Make a Chart

Now that you know what you will build, make a flowchart detailing steps you’ll take to build it. Take each value and write out how to live that value. Likewise for beliefs, how will you live in accordance to them? Finally for goals, what steps will you take to achieve them?

8. Post It Up!

Post your mission statement in a prominent area of your home and refer to it regularly.

Questions to get you started:

1. What family legacy do we want to leave?
2. What kind of relationships do we want to have with each other?
3. What will we not tolerate in our home?
4. What values will we uphold?
5. Who inspires us and why?

This post was inspired by chapter 6 of my book Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide.

Rebecca Eanes is the bestselling author of multiple books including Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide, The Positive Parenting Workbook, and The Gift of a Happy Mother. She is the grateful mom of two boys.