Good Morning Y’all,

This morning I want to talk about something that is near and dear to my heart. I’ve probably written on this topic before, but I think it’s important for teachers, Admin, ICs, and even the campus Custodian. That is the idea that we all need to know our mission in life, and we need to have a Mission Statement that we can easily refer to in times of decision or self doubt. It’s imperative to our success. I speak from experience. When I finally put pen to paper and created my personal mission statement back in 2022, I discovered clarity, my health turned around, and my mindset changed drastically. I now have an, “I can do anything” mindest where I used to have a defeated attitude and mindset. Knowing your mission is one of the most important things you can know… in my opinion. And there is no better time than right now (#SummerBreak) to work on our personal mission.

Summer Break isn’t just for rest (although you’ve earned it…big time). It’s also a golden opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign. If you’re feeling exhausted, stuck, or like you’re just checking boxes without a clear purpose, it might be time to zoom out and ask the bigger question: What’s my mission in life?

Not what’s my job, or what do I do day-to-day—but why am I here? What passions are planted deep in our soul? What impact are we meant to make? And is the path we’re walking actually taking us there? Let’s dive in…

As alwyas, if you find this info helpful, please share it with your teacher bestie!

🎯 Why You Need a Mission Statement

When we know our life’s mission, everything changes. We move with confidence. We say no to distractions and yes to growth. And to be totally honest, we may even realize that teaching isn’t our ultimate life goal. And that’s okay. Because once we know our mission, we’re free to pivot and chase the purpose that fuels us.

A mission statement for your life is a personal compass. It’s a couple of sentences that help you filter your decisions, keep your eyes on your purpose, and remind you of your "why" when things get hard (and we know they will).

First, let’s look at some practical steps we can take to identify our mission in life. That “thing” that drives us. Then, we will look at (very) simple way to craft our personal “Mission Statement.”

✍️ 3 Steps to Discover Your Mission This Summer

1. Reflect on Your Passions

Ask yourself:

• What lights you up inside?

• What could you talk about for hours?

• What do you feel called to fix, change, or build in the world?

Jot those things down… no filter, no judgment. You’re looking for the themes in your heart.

2. Identify Your Strengths

Think about what you’re naturally good at:

• What do people thank you for?

• What skills or traits make you uniquely valuable?

• Where have you seen real success or impact in your life?

Match your passions with your gifts, and you’ll start seeing the outline of your mission.

3. Listen to the Tension

If there’s a gap between what you do and what you dream, don’t ignore it. That tension isn’t failure. Heck no… it’s feedback. It might be God’s nudge that it’s time to pivot, refine, or step into something bigger.

Now let’s take those passions and dreams and craft a simple “Mission Statement” that we can use to push us forward in times of doubt and use as a road map when we’re not sure which way to go at a crossroad.

🧭 How to Write Your Life Mission Statement

Keep it simple. 1–3 sentences. Think clarity over perfection. A solid mission statement answers one or all of the following:

1. What do you feel called to do?

2. Who are you doing it for?

3. Why does it matter?

Here are a few examples:

• “I exist to help young people unlock their potential through creative learning and strong mentorship.”

• “I want to inspire others to live healthy, purposeful lives through teaching, writing, and example.”

• “My mission is to serve others by building tools, communities, and opportunities that lead to lasting transformation.”

Once it’s written, memorize it. Stick it on your mirror, your laptop, your phone lock screen—wherever you’ll see it daily. Let it guide your yes and your no.

When I was going through my life change (pivoting from an unhealthy lifestyle to one built on purpose and discipline) I knew I needed more than just a workout plan. I needed a mission. That’s when I crafted my personal mission statement: “Work Hard! Don’t Suck! Every Day!” It may sound blunt, but it’s deeply rooted in my life verse, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, which says to live a quiet life, mind your own business, and work with your hands so that your daily life earns the respect of others. That scripture has become my foundation, and my mission statement is how I live it out. It guides how I walk with God, love my wife and daughters, teach in my classroom, lead in my businesses, and even how I tackle the growing list of home projects (if your summer looks like mine, that “honey-do list” isn’t getting any shorter!).
Side Note: Crafting a mission statement, and anchoring it to your favorite Bible verse (if you have one) or a meaningful quote from an inspirational leader you admire, can be a powerful way to stay focused, intentional, and grounded in every area of life.

Bottom Line Y’all…

✏️Carve out some time to discover your life’s mission.
Don’t let next school year just “happen” to you. Walk into it with bold clarity. Whether you stay in the classroom or step into something new, let it be on purpose.

We were made for more than burnout and survival. We were made to build, to bless, and to live out your mission with joy and power.

We’ve got this. Let’s make this summer count. 💪

~Mitch

🎵 The Great American Super Summer Teacher Playlist 🎶 

🌞School’s Out For Summer! 🎉 we’ve graded, guided, and survived another school year — now it’s time to press play, roll the windows down, and soak up that well-deserved sunshine!🌴 This playlist is packed with feel-good classics like Walking on Sunshine, Happy, Summer of '69, Don’t Worry Be Happy, Sweet Caroline, and 40 more upbeat anthems to fuel your summer joy. 🎶Whether you’re poolside, road tripping, or just dancing barefoot in your living room — this is your soundtrack to rest, recharge, and remember why you love life.Teachers, you’ve earned it. Crank it up. 💃

🎯Finish strong. Celebrate big. You deserve it!🎯

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