Food For Thought

With less than a month of 2020 remaining, we can begin to look forward to the new year and some positive changes ahead, whether that be within your personal and/or professional life. This year has brought many challenges, most notably the impact COVID-19 has had on our members. However, they continue to persevere, as they always do. Their actions also prove they continue to strive to meet ANFP’s mission; Position the CDM, CFPP as the expert in Foodservice Management and Food Safety. We also hope they strive to meet their own personal mission and goals, which will differ from member to member. While you may have your personal and career goals, consider creating your own mission statement as we move into the new year. A personal mission statement may help you further define your goals as well as volunteer or career aspirations. It can be a reminder, especially during difficult times, what your end goal is and what that looks like. When developing your personal mission statement, there are a few pointers to keep in mind. 

Different Styles – First, there are three different, but well recognized, styles of mission statements; single sentence, paragraph (or two), or a list of objectives, e.g., I will…, I will…

Necessary Steps – Second, when developing your personal mission statement, take these four steps or ask yourself these questions. 

• Step 1 - Mission statements require action. Start by writing down three action verbs that are meaningful to you (i.e. serve, devote, lead, cultivate, build, etc.)
• Step 2 - Ask yourself, what do you stand for? What principle, cause, value, or purpose would you be willing to devote your life to? What is always driving you? Some examples: joy, service, justice, family, creativity, freedom, equality, faith, excellence, etc. 
• Step 3 - Whom are you here to help? Write down three groups or causes you are passionate about. For example: senior citizens, environment, family, education, youth, children, homeless, literacy. Other examples: volunteers, cancer patients, etc. 
• Step 4 - Put it together. Last, take what you have developed through the steps of self-discovery and build your statement. 
• My mission is to .. (your three verbs),(your core value), to, for, or with (the group(s) or cause). 

Here are a few examples: 

“To promote safety, well-being, and self-esteem for all children.”

“I will live each day with respect for myself and others, facing challenges as they come and learning from my mistakes in order to become a stronger person.”

“To inhale every sunrise and look under every rock for the joy life has to offer.”

Consider taking the time to create your own personal mission statement before the new year.