I recently read an article regarding writers having mission statements, and I thought, “I’m a writer and I don’t have one.” A mission statement represents the core principles of a company. The last company I worked for, FINRA’s mission statement is, “FINRA is dedicated to investor protection and market integrity through effective and efficient regulation of the securities industry.” This is McDonald’s mission statement: “McDonald's vision is to be the world's best quick service restaurant experience. Being the best means providing outstanding quality, service, cleanliness, and value, so that we make every customer in every restaurant smile." Not every company succeeds in living up to their mission, but it is a good foundation and reminder for what they need to strive for…what they set out to do in the first place.
Why don’t writers have a mission statement? I mean, we state everything, right? We state our opinions and feelings…so where and when do we state our mission? (I'm sure there are a few out there that have one.)
As writers, we need to have a story/idea, write what we know, know our audience, and revise, revise, revise into beautiful works of art. Yet without a mission, without a vision of what we expect of ourselves and our writing, I think it makes keeping ‘butt-in-chair’ and sharing ourselves with the world a bit more difficult. If we each had our own mission, it would help us achieve our principles and expectations when our expressive ink dries up, or when we question if we’re cut out for writing. Our mission statements will remind us of the reason we each decided to become writers.
I took some time to think about what I want my mission statement to read. Over time, our focus and achievements will alter our mission statements, but for now, this is my mission:
“Denise’s vision is to let the ordinary and flawed be loved and have purpose; give the boring a fresh look; and open people’s eyes to the power and beauty of words. While she develops her writing, she hopes to bring a positive change to at least a few lives along the way.”
How about you? Do you have a mission statement for your life?
Mission and reminders,
Bea
That's a great one. I don't have one. I'm sure I couldn't get past doing something smart@ss :P
ReplyDeleteI'm commenting to tell you that I love your statement, but that it will take me some time to think of my own. If I come up with one, I'll be back to tell you. ;-) It's even more intimidating than coming up with a dang logline for my novel, LOL!
ReplyDeleteJune, I know it's not the best but I wanted to convey how I feel about writing...and yes, your mission statement would have several strike throughs and loads of giggles.
ReplyDeleteBarb, Thanks! I wasn't sure if it sounded arrogant. I think mission statements and loglines are on the same intimidation scale.
I love that! I've written more than one mission statement - or context - for my life. The one thing I'd suggest is owning your statement; you wrote it in the third person. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the very flattering comment on my last post. I do indeed have a mission statement, albeit a simple one. My goal is to tell stories for people's enjoyment, and to eventually sell out for a fat movie check. Sounds good, right?
ReplyDeleteCoco, You're right about third person. :) I think I wrote it that way after reading the company missions. Will change for myself.
ReplyDeleteBFTS, No problem. You're a great writer and you draw in the audience. You'll do well. I think your mission and writing are on the right path. :D
I like to paint word pictures through vivid imagery and I love the idea of providing good entertainment, but my real mission is to make people think about their own lives. I write in the hope that my words will make a positive impact on my readers. A lot of what I do boils down to good vs. evil and I don't plan on evil winning on my watch!
ReplyDeleteShoot! I don't have a mission statement, either! Time to change that.
ReplyDeleteAs a writer who quit his very business-like job to become a full time writer, I think a mission statement kind of goes against everything I did. I'm not a business. I don't need to tell people, "My objective is to create an entertaining and humorous world in which people can escape and find solace through my words."
ReplyDeleteYeah, I sound like a real blast! Life of the party!
Belva, Your mission is a heartfelt one.
ReplyDeleteDandelion, :) If it's something you'd like, write it for yourself.
BFTS, I get what you're saying. I'm using my mission statement to stay grounded and remind me why I went in this direction in the first place. It's more for me than for everyone else.
I'll still invite you to the party. :)
What a great post. I've helped write many mission statements in different companies I worked for, but I never thought about writing one for myself as a writer. I love that idea. I am definitely going to do that. Your mission statement is perfect. It hits many different levels. And you're already off to a good start making a positive change in lives. You certainly got me thinking. I hope you don't mind, but I'm going to mention this on the Diva Blog when I post my Mission Statement.
ReplyDeleteDoOverDiva, Thanks much! I appreciate your kind words. I don't mind at all if you mention this on your blog. It's an honor.
ReplyDelete