Things that I learned: Your mission statement is important but you don't need to worry about being perfect. Just start with something. Do a free write. Set a timer for 15 minutes and write things down that are important to you. Or do the exercise suggested at the beginning of the chapter on Habit 2 and imagine and write down what you would want people to say at your funeral. What would you want your family to say? What would you want people from your professional life to say? What would you want you church community and city community to say? After you write that down look at the similarities and begin with that.

Here are a few of the prompts that were suggested by Sean Covey at the end of the Habit 2 chapter.

• Think of a person who has made a positive difference in your life. What qualities does that person have that you would like to develop?

• Describe a time when you were deeply inspired?

• If you placed an I-beam across the Grand Canyon, for what or for whom would you be willing to cross?

• If you could spend one day in a great library studying anything you wanted, what would it be?

• What ten things do you absolutely, positively love to do?

• Think of something that represents you: an animal, a song, a car, a place. How does it uniquely represent you?

You can also think about some of the values or principles that you are already living and are important to you. Like honesty or keeping a promise. Include that as you write.

I wrote an initial 3 paragraphs as an overall mission statement but then decided to have some additional paragraphs for the different roles in my life. Things that I want to make sure to remember.

Also are there words that you want to make sure to remember everyday. Keywords I would call them. I have a few - abundant, centered on Jesus Christ, true principles, daughter of powerful Heavenly parents. Think of things you want to make sure to remember and keep in mind everyday and work on including those words in you mission statement.

Sean Covey also suggested at the end of the chapter that he has done a lot of work with teenagers and many of them do vision boards. So if it is helpful gather together some pictures that represent things that you want to include as you mission statement. Something that would help you to look at each day.

Like the story mentioned in the podcast about Clayton Christensen - remember to "Decide what you stand for, and then stand for it all the time."

Now go and start writing. You can do it. It doesn't need to be perfect and can continue to evolve and change but try writing something.

Also reminder that BYU continuing education has a 7 Habits course that starts Sept. 23.