Many begin the process of writing personal mission and vision statements only to find the "doing" more baffling than they had thought. Some opt for words that when pressed to define are just words that "sound good" or found on one of those sites that list common statements made up for anyone. No wonder frustration follows and the self work is set aside. Perhaps the best way to begin on your personal mission statement would be to acknowledge that in some way most of us serve one another. This starts the discovery of what and how we would choose to do this service.

"The most enlightened minds agree that serving our fellow man is the only way to true happiness" writes Don Midgett, author of Mission and Vision Statements: Your Path to a Successful Business Future. "We serve our communities by offering our time or resources to those in need. We serve our children by raising them with love and understanding. And others serve us by easing our lives by their work."

In the popular Unity publication, "The Daily Word" a recent affirmation was on "Joy" and the awareness of it as a 'clue to what one can best contribute to the world.' When one feels expanded in the capacity to feel uplifted, happy and fulfilled - take note - for this is a clue to finding your purpose or mission.

Here are several questions to answer that will help you develop your personal or business mission statement from Mission and Vision Statements: Your Path to a Successful Business Future:

1. Who are you?

2. What are you?

3. Why do you exist?

4. What do I do?

"Remember, you can also get input from others as to the qualities you exemplify" states Midgett. "A focus on your true mission should create a positive change in your activities. It should excite you to get up every morning and start your day. Discover and focus on your passion and determine if you can wrap a career around it!"

Let's now look at your vision statement. You have a dream of what you can do. That dream becomes a vision, the vision becomes a pathway and the pathway leads you to your reality. Remember, the formula for effective vision is clarity, commitment and communication.

Good questions to help you develop your vision statement are:

1. What would you like to be or become?

2. How will you get there?

3. What values will you practice?

4. How will you measure success?

Working on your personal mission statement and vision statement is an authentic and worthwhile effort. These statements are yours and yours alone. Addressed and defined by your values, they become the blueprint for your future and the foundation for your day-to-day actions. For additional information on mission and vision statements and how to use them effectively, go to http://www.missionvisionstatement.com.