Do You Have A Mission?

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What is the one thing that all organizations have in common?

They all serve some purpose.

This purpose is outlined in their respective mission statements.  These statements give each organization a focus by asserting a goal, or purpose and giving a brief description on the unique way in which the goal, or purpose will be reached.  The statement acts as a guidepost for action.

With a set mission statement, members of an organization know what they are working toward.

That is wonderful!

What about me as a PERSON though?

Have you ever wondered what you're doing and why, where your're going, and who you really are?  If you have never wondered these things, and just knew them, then you should write a book.  These questions are all related to your purpose.

A personal mission statement is something I think everyone should have, and review often.  It guides you, especially when you are unsure of things.

This past summer I sat down and constructed my own personal mission statement so that I could have something that guided me.  I look at it almost everyday and it brings everything into focus.  I recommend taking some time, and it does take some time, to carefully think about yourself and what you want and creating a mission statement.        

Mine is:

To live vibrantly, fearing nothing, exploring life's endless offerings with an open mind and heart, and embracing everything with a positive attitude.  To bring happiness to those I encounter, and maintain inner peace through moderation.

It is my approach to life.  It is my purpose, and way of living as a human.

Outline yours when you have some time; it will be worth it.

I'm not James Bond or Ethan Hunt, but I do have a mission.

You should too!

Track Your Everyday Accomplishments and Succeed In Interviews

Image Source: David Castillo Dominici

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Today, March 1st, just happens to be National Peanut Butter Lover's Day.  Peanut Butter Lovers.com will satisfy all of your celebration needs for today.  If you know me well enough then you know that I would easily be classified as a "Peanut Butter Lover," and I don't need a specific day to celebrate.  In fact, this past week I made my way through about 1 and a 1/2 jars of peanut butter.  Would I call that an accomplishment?  Yes.  Would I call that an accomplishment worth sharing with others?  Apparently yes considering I just did, but in truth no.  It is just a good segue into my blog post today.

Accomplishments.

Recently I have been preparing myself for the job market.  As a graduating senior I have been carefully crafting my resume, and drafting cover letters.  I have been applying online, and conversing with human resource representatives at various employers.  I have also been preparing myself for interviews.

While researching the interview process and common questions, I have found that very often interviewers will ask behavioral questions.  These are questions that require you to respond with answers explaining your past actions, and performance.  These questions usually start with:

•  Tell me about a time when.....
•  Describe your experience.....
•  Give me an example of when you demonstrated.....

These questions require you to know what you have done in different situations, be able to remember your actions, and express them well.

Unless it was something major you have done, or you have included the associated experience on your resume, it may be difficult to remember instances when you did some great things.

When preparing for interviews I find myself looking back at my course projects, work experience, and organizational involvement to pinpoint my "highlights."  This can take a lot of time if you are trying to thoroughly outline everything you did related to certain attributes or qualities that a potential employer may be looking for.

I have been working on that to have a breadth of examples fresh in my mind when answering various behavioral questions, but I have also begun to do something more productive.

I thought to myself, optimistically, and said, "I have accomplishments every day!"  At the end of every day I have been looking back and composing my "highlight reel."  Every day I am working with others on projects, facing challenges, and learning new things.  I actively think back to the day and write down my greatest accomplishments.

Very often we go through our days doing great things along the way, and they can be lost if we don't take some time to think about them.  Of course, the major accomplishments will be memorable, but the smaller ones are more personal and revealing.  Answering an interview question with a clear, concise, yet specific response will be very powerful, and memorable.

You should track your everyday accomplishments because:

• You'll gain a better understanding of yourself 
• You'll have a wider variety of examples showcasing your skills and attributes
• It will make you feel good, feel accomplished

Remember, you don't have to receive a physical award in order to realize an accomplishment.

Go out there and do great things!  (like eating a ton of peanut butter.....)

BAM!