If you’ve ever picked up a book or read an article about the basics of starting your own business, one of the first things they’ll tell you is that you should create a mission statement.
A mission statement?
When I started my business, I had a barely cohesive idea of what I was selling and how I could serve the world… nevermind a neat, one-sentence package that I could spit out upon command.
We’re led to believe that a mission statement is a fixed, solid statement that forcefully shows the world that we mean business.
I’d like to disagree.
A mission statement, or as I prefer to call it, your business mantra, is actually like a small match you can carry around in your pocket.
It seems tiny and insignificant, but it has the power to light fires bigger and grander than you could ever imagine.
Your business mantra is a small phrase, a group of letters that when arranged can trigger something deep within you.
It is merely the match… you are the fuel… your soul is the flames.
Your business mantra has the power to light even the smallest part of you on fire. So when you’re feeling blue, or confused about what to write, or maybe even like you should give up… you can read your statement and feel the tiniest spark again.
Does it have to be profound? Only to you.
Do you have to share it with the world? Absolutely not.
It’s yours and yours alone to nurture. Of course, if you DO decide to share it with the world, it can be extremely powerful.
But don’t let fear of creating the perfect mantra (because you have to show it to people) stop you from creating your match.
How To Create Your Business Mantra
Like creating any mantra with power behind it, it’s best to look at both sides of your soul: the dark and the light.
Let’s start with the dark.
What are you most deeply afraid of? What makes your soul shake with fear when you think about creating a successful, satisfying, world-shaking-and-soothing empire?
There’s immense power in our darkest places.
Write out every single thing you can think of that comes up. Dig as deep as you can.
I’ll give an example to guide you:
I’m afraid of not being taken seriously. I’m afraid of public speaking. I’m afraid of showing the real me. I’m afraid I won’t have any friends anymore. I’m afraid nobody will buy my products.
I could keep writing examples (from my own life, no less!) for days, but you get the idea.
You will probably start to see a theme within your darkest thoughts.
For me personally, it centers around being worthy. For you, it could be a fear of abandonment, or of being wanted. Perhaps you’re afraid to try and fail.
Now, let’s move toward the light.
What are your wildest dreams for the world and your business? What makes your soul soar with immense pleasure? What would make your business your personal paradise?
Wild dreaming is an important part of setting intentions.
Again, write out every single thing you can think of that sparks your soul and raises you higher and higher with possibility.
Some examples from my dreams:
I imagine a world where my clients know they are worthy. I imagine a world where they give themselves permission to dream BIG. I imagine a world where each of my clients are willing to take up space and shine. I imagine creating wildly successful programs so that I may serve the world by truly seeing my clients and supporting them in bringing their own wild dreams to life.
Do you see how these are parallel to my darkest thoughts?
Now that you’ve shaken out your thoughts – both dark and light – it’s time to get creative and craft your business mantra.
[Business Name] creates a world where [Wild Dream + Darkest Fear turned around].
For me, it could be…
At LauraSprinkle.com, we create a world where everyone knows their soul-worth, by supporting our clients to bring their dreams to life and making the income and impact they’re meant to.
When I read that… it makes my heart and soul shimmy with possibility and honor. It’s an honor to do this work and live this mantra.
Another example: Mona Liza Photography specializes in bringing out the beauty in the world through taking pictures of newlywed couples that bear their souls and speak to the heart of their relationship.
The beauty of this exercise is that it transforms your business fears and alchemizes them into your greatest power and fuel for creating a life of pleasure.
[bctt tweet=”Transform your business fears and alchemize them into your greatest power.”]
Who doesn’t want that?!
Here’s to you + your new mantra.
In love and guts,
xo Laura
Now, I’d love to know: What is your business mantra? Share with us in the comments!
