Tuesday, October 16, 2007

My Mission

Dr Stephen Covey makes the point that "the key to the ability to change is a changeless sense of who you are, what you are about, and what you value." Hence, "who am I, what am I all about, and what do I value?" These are all good questions.

For years now, I've tried to guide my actions and decisions based upon an integrated and comprehensive understanding of my beliefs, values, knowledge, experiences, motives, and drives -- what some might call a "mission statement." Here is my mission as it appears in a framed version that stands on my desk:

• I am MY OWN MAN. I choose how to LIVE my life. I take RISKS and accept RESPONSIBILITY. I have a right to be HAPPY.


• I am a LEARNER. I seek to UNDERSTAND life and the universe. EXISTENCE is instructive.

• I make INTEGRITY a guiding principle in my affairs. I am impeccable to my WORD and strive for ACHIEVEMENT. I avoid taking things PERSONALLY, and resist making ASSUMPTIONS about people.

• I respect POWER and understand how KNOWLEDGE, WEALTH, and VIOLENCE affect me. I practice INNOVATION, IMPROVISATION, and ADAPTABILITY.

• I match PROFIT to PRINCIPLE in the conduct of business. I promote ENTERPRISE amongst STAKEHOLDERS. I foster and nurture COLLEGIALITY within my domains.

• I am FRUGAL. I seek to get the most VALUE from my time and the things I have the use of. I invest for my ESTATE and use it to pursue a LIFESTYLE of fitness and growth.

• I practice CHIVALRY. I have COMPASSION for the innocent. I MENTOR deserving talent along the way and give the CREDIT to those who deserve it.

• I live in the LIGHT and fear the darkness. I understand the difference between REALITY and delusion. I believe TRUTH prevails over lies.

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