Dan's Personal Mission Statement

Why have a mission statement?

  • It serves as a "distillation of fundamental values, principles, and major life purpose."
  • It provides a basis for decision-making, life-directing decisions and "true north" daily decisions amidst the cacophony of circumstances and emotions.
  • A mission statement is a lighthouse in the fog. It enables us to travel in faith that we are headed in the right direction, even when the path immediately ahead is obscure.
  • It helps -- when you tackle a new project -- to "Begin with the end in mind."

Who says?

Lots of people! I was first introduced to this idea by Stephen Covey's 1989 bestseller, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

My Personal Mission Statement

These are my values, the things that matter most to me, to which I devote my energy and resources and seek to create and support with my highest integrity and love:
  • Cherish and nourish my family, especially children and partners.
  • Stay fit and healthy.
  • Make, share and enjoy art, especially my music.
  • Cultivate and promote my health-tech vision.
  • Support and participate in my local community.
  • Be gentle on and protective of the planet and nature.
  • Savor a thriving and expansive life, place of residence, travel and adventure.
Here are three that in retirement have dropped from the list... Gone but not forgotten:
  • Be entrepreneurial: create services, products and companies.
  • Advance and humanize technology.
  • Provide compassionate and competent patient care.

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