Purpose and Meaning
by Simon Mott
Topic at a glance:
- A strong sense of meaning and purpose makes it easier to remain free of addiction.
- What is a mission statement, and why is it important to have one?
- How to use a visualization to find out what is important to you.
Extract from the Hope Rehab Aftercare Manual – Click to Download This Free eBook
Your Mission Statement
Write a mission statement because it helps clarify what is important to you. It also keeps you focussed so you are better able to design a new life. It helps you live out positive values and gives you a sense of meaning and purpose.
Addiction is a killer disease so having a defined sense of purpose helps keep away from self-destructive behaviour – e.g. A common symptom of addiction is self-centeredness, so having a purpose helping other addicts, keeps us out of self-obsession. The same goes for any clear mission statement, it raises our game and promotes a sense of accountability.
What is a Mission Statement? And What it is Not.
A personal mission statement is not just a commitment but a plan for how you can achieve your life vision. A life vision is defined as looking into the future and visualizing the results.
How to write a mission statement, here is one of my examples “to help and inspire other addicts make positive change through my recovery work”
Now start by asking yourself…..
Your Short Mission Statement
Now try writing short missions before writing a more complete longer version.
How to Find Your Meaning and Purpose Using a Visualisation Exercise
Sit quietly and visualise where you would like to be. What you would like to be doing? Who with? etc.
For example, see yourself as a non-user, recovering addict with the rewards of all your hard work. Get a clear picture in your head and feel it. If you do this often enough it will lodge in your unconscious mind, also your sub goals and mission statement will get you there.
Vision for Your Future
A vision for your future is not so easy to measure exactly. Just like happiness and having a family, you can certainly set goals that can get you there though. When you make a plan be prepared to accept when it does not turn out the way you expected. I did not expect to build and run a rehab but am very happy I do. I just wanted to help other addicts and do something I could be proud of.
Don’t forget, this is post is an extract from the Hope Aftercare Manual. You can read the entire eBook for free just by clicking here.
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