As a small business consultant, one of the things we talked to our clients about is defining and developing a mission statement for their desired organization or company. We talk to them about how clear and concise it should be and how it should embody what they hope others should expect to get from affiliation with their organizations.
Last month I remember hearing Norman Schuchman, a business broker and consultant who was instrumental in helping the Alabama Gulf Coast rebound from the oil crisis, speak. He asked the business owners in the room if they had developed their mission statements. Most of the business owners, myself included, nodded their heads proudly feeling that they were on top of their games. And then he asked a follow up question, “How many of you have a personal mission statement?” Many of them looked around or lowered their heads. I hesitantly raised my hand, feeling sort of out of place for that moment (much because I like to lurk in the shadows). He said that the personal mission statement is actually just as important, if not more important than having a business mission statement.
For about a year now, I’ve developed a personal mission statement for my life which is: To diligently work to create positive results from all negative experiences. You see, my life like many others, has been paved with numerous hardships, losses, and negative comments. And while I could allow them to throw me into an abyss of self-pity. I have faith in God and believe that “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28. Therefore, I know there’s a way to put a positive spin on ALL of the negative things that happen in your life.
The people that I loved and lost: God has shown me how to use the good experiences and advice they shared to better my life. I’m able to empathize with people who experience loss and listen to them because of it.
The divorce I experienced: I let God use me to help those who feel like they can’t make it if a spouse leaves them, to carry on. God has enabled me the ability to help those who feel like divorce is the best option to scripturally guide them. And I’m so blessed to see so many marriages being saved. God can do it, if you let him.
Have you determined what your mission is? Have you stopped to even consider what the calling on your life is? What do you want it to be? Have you asked God to help you fulfill that mission? If not, why not start today? The choice is yours. You can choose to be miserable and wallow in all of the negative things that have happened to you. Or you can rejoice in those hardships, and let them polish you up to shine bright.
Don’t know what that mission is? One piece of advice is – You can never go wrong with a life mission that is pleasing to you and in accordance to God’s will for your life. When is the last time you consulted God about it? Ask him to help you determine your mission for life and he will guide you (Matthew 7:7) Just remember when you ask the question, make certain you are opening to quietly listening for his answer.
May God bless your day and remainder of your week.
Tanisha Rankins is a motivational speaker, encouraging diligence to create positive results from negative situations. Having faced and overcome consistent adversity, Rankins attributes her positivity and resilience to her strong faith in God. Through her own experience with divorce, Rankins now serves as a coach for those who are/have gone through divorce/separation. In her weekly blog, “Divorced…But Not By Choice”, she speaks candidly about the negative effects of divorce and gives advice to help others recover from it in a healthy manner.
For more information on Tanisha Rankins, feel free to check out her website, www.TanishaRankins.com, She can be contacted at info@tanisharankins.com to send inquiries.
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