CHARACTERISTICS OF EMPOWERING MISSION STATEMENTS
from First Things First, Steven Covey (1994, pg 113)

1. 1. Represents the deepest and best within you. It comes out of a solid connection with your deep inner life.
   2. Is the fulfillment of your own unique gifts. It’s the expression of your unique capacity to contribute.
   3. Is transcendent. It’s based on principles of contribution and purpose higher than itself.
   4. Addresses and integrates all four fundamental human needs and capacities. It includes fulfillment in physical, social, mental, and spiritual dimensions.
   5. Is based on principles that produce quality-of-life results. Both the ends and the means are based on true north principles.
      
   6. Deals with both vision and principle-based values. It’s not good enough to have values without visions — you want to be good, but you want to be good for something. On the other hand, vision without value can create a Hitler. An empowering mission statement deals with both power and competence: what you want to be and what you want to do in your life.
      
   7. Deals with all the significant roles in your life.
      It represents a lifetime balance of personal, family, work, community — whatever roles you feel are yours to fill.
      
   8. Is written to inspire you — not impress anyone else.
      It communicates to you and inspires you on the most essential level.

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