Next Stop??

I may soon be making my return down under.

Sydney boasts gorgeous weather, natural beauty, a phenomenal cityscape, and has consistently been rated as one of the best and/or most-livable cities in the world. Known for its beautiful, iconic landmarks and fantastic atmosphere, it's also a dynamic city that offers an amazing standard of living.

Last week, I was offered an unpaid internship with an investment bank located in Sydney. It's roughly a three-month program where I will assume the role as a general analyst. If I perform well, I will likely invited as a permanent employee. Although it is an expensive leap of faith, I've been waiting for an opportunity like this for a long LONG time, and I am very confident in my abilities. Also, I've saved a bit of money from teaching in Taiwan, which can help cover expenses.

It represents an enormous step in my life. But it's a step I'm ready to take.

"If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place."
- Nora Roberts

Personal Mission Statement

If you haven't read The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, please do so. Read it once. Read it twice. Read it again and again. Use it as a pillow and learn through osmosis - whatever and whichever way, just get it done. This book can and will change your life, if properly used.

While reading this book for the third time (and I have the water stains to prove it), I recently put the finishing touches on my personal mission statement. A personal mission statement is a written work that firmly states an individual's desired direction, personality and behavior traits, thought processes, and relationships.

You can think of it as your own Constitution - something you always refer to and utilize as a benchmark in your decision-making. It can bring an incredible amount of personal security and self-assurance because you will now be living based upon a set of valued principals rather than spur-of-the-moment emotions or adrenaline. Although it can be a very private and deep document, I decided to display my mission statement in the hopes of encouraging you to do the same and to demonstrate that every individual really has a limitless potential.

My Personal Mission Statement

You are worthy of an amazing, fulfilling life
Give thanks for all you possess
See the world for its beauty and freshness
Treasure everyday – it will soon be your last
Respond to poor behavior with love and patience
Be gentle and warm to everyone
Focus on what you can control
Be honest
Embrace failure; it is the key to success
Be better than yesterday
Listen to others with unyielding generosity
Help others at every opportunity
Strive for simplicity
Admit mistakes quickly and genuinely
Your body and mind are your palaces – build them strong and treat them kind
Not getting what you want can be a wonderful stroke of luck
Be smart with your finances

Final Thoughts

The thing about personal mission statements are that they are all different. These are the values and principals that are important to me. They could be extremely similar or vastly different to yours and that is perfectly fine. No one else can write your mission statement for you - it must reflect your true emotions and expectations.

Good luck and happy writing.