My Mission: To build healthy relationships, empower the lives of young people, and seek to improve myself physically, mentally and emotionally each day.
Last year I stumbled upon a Ted-Ed episode about why each person should write a mission statement. I initially thought it was corny. I’m not a company or organization–why do I need to do something like that. But I thought more about it. Then I read Simon Sinek’s book “Start with Why,” and said, What the heck. I’ll give it a try.
So I spent a few minutes, which turned into an hour, writing and re-writing what I felt was my purpose in life–why I existed. I was not quite prepared for the earthquake that shook within me. Holy crap. Why DID I exist? What WAS my purpose? As a coach and teacher, I have worked with kids for years on developing goals and helping them figure out core values, and direction in life. For my football program I have developed core values and mission statements. I know they are crucial to being successful; I know that without them life becomes directionless and perhaps even meaningless. But I had never gone through the process myself.
At 38 years old, I felt a clarity come over me that I hadn’t felt in a long time. What a transformational process.
From that point on, I have been laser focused on this mission. Now that it is in writing, now that it is declared, now that it is in my conscience, I am energized to fulfilling those purposes: building healthy relationships, empowering young people, and improving myself each day. Can I engage in activities that have nothing to do with that mission statement? Can I indulge from time to time and let go? Of course. But the beauty of a mission statement is that it tethers you. It brings you back to center after a long weekend in Vegas, a binge session of Game of Thrones, or perhaps a funk of self-pity. It gets you back in the saddle and moving forward…with purpose.
Part of the reason I decided to start this blog (which is partly hypocritical because I used to think bloggers were simply self-centered attention-seekers) is to hold myself accountable and reflect and document things I do to live out my mission statement. One of my best friends who journals each day had encouraged me to do the same…which I have tried and failed at…so this is another, hopefully more fruitful, attempt to do so.
The other reason I began this blog is because I really have been reflecting on my role as a man and father in this world–and all of the implications and expectations of such.
So moving forward, I plan on sharing experiences related to my mission, specifically from the viewpoint of a man (although I hope and think this will connect to women and especially wives). My humble wish is that, for those who read these entries, it will spur some thought and discussion. In our busy world, us men have very few opportunities to talk with one another about our real lives. We typically fill any spare moments around one another talking sports, telling jokes, and perhaps pretending to be things we’re not. If this promotes some honest reflection and conversation about things that matter to us, and will help us live with more purpose, then that’s beyond awesome.
Mission of a Man 