The Heartbeat of a Home: Why Every Family Needs a Mission Statement
In the business world, a mission statement is an incredibly powerful statement that encapsulates an organization's core beliefs, values and provides everyone with a clear direction for all its endeavors.
At Elegant Simplicity, our mission is to change the world, by changing the world's perspective of home. Bold. We know. But the world has a never enough problem. Product is advertised to us + then retargeted to us because marketers know it is innate to our human experience to desire what we don’t have.
But home is a sacred space. And we should treat it this way. Filling our homes by becoming conscious curators not by impulsive decision making.
Changing the world, by changing the world's perspective of home isn’t merely a statement, but rather what we put into action daily. It drives everything we do as a company, including the creation of what you’re reading. It acts as a litmus test for our employees on whether we should approach what we are doing differently.
And so we wondered, if a mission statement is so powerful in our business — why don’t more people have mission statements for their homes?
In today's fast-paced hustle + bustle world, distractions are abundant, and time seems to literally fly by. It's more crucial now, with the world at the scroll of a finger, than potentially ever before in human history, that families have a clear sense of purpose that aligns their direction together.
This is why a family mission statement for your home is needed to unify + bind your family together around a shared set of beliefs, values + to ensure you’re making decisions for your home with clarity in what matters most.
But what exactly is a family mission statement, and even more so, why is it so vital? Let's delve into the significance of a family mission statement, how to craft one, and its profound impact on decisions made within your home, shall we?
What is a Family Mission Statement?
A family mission statement is a succinct expression of a family's core values, beliefs, and aspirations.
Here’s an example of a family mission statement, "We believe in the power of a shared meal, facing the future with optimism, and the pursuit of individual dreams.”
Another example of a family mission statement, “Our home is a place where love is unconditional, challenges are faced together, gratitude is a daily celebration, + prayer is prioritized."
A family mission statement serves as a guiding beacon of light, providing clarity and direction for everyone.
Think of it as a compass, helping your family navigate life’s decisions + any challenges with a clear sense of direction.
And most importantly, a family mission statement is a way to focus your energy, actions, behaviors, and decisions on the things that are most important to you.
Why is a Family Mission Statement Important?
In writing a family mission statement blog for you, we couldn’t help but think “why” is a family mission statement so heavy on our hearts.
One of the reasons why a family mission statement is so important is certainly because the world has a never enough problem. But it is also because so many people are making decisions in their homes + in their lives without deep meaningful reasoning.
They have nothing of significance to test each decision they make against. In other words, they’re making decisions purely upon impulse + in how they feel in the moment.
In laying the groundwork for this blog, we talked about how impactful a mission statement is for a business. But you wouldn’t lead an organization with no clearly articulated mission or values, so why would you try to create home + lead a family that way?
Benefits Of A Family Mission Statement
Having a family mission statement can help you make decisions about the value of design, furniture + decor in your home. About the functionality of organizing and even how you spend time at home.
It can help you create a home environment that supports your goals and values. And perhaps most importantly, it can help you create a home that feels truly yours.
Clarity of Purpose
A well-defined family mission statement provides clarity. It helps everyone in your home understand their collective purpose and the principles they want to uphold.
Conscious Decision-Making
When faced with any decision, easy or tough, having a family mission statement can offer guidance as a reminder of what is most important. It acts as a filter, helping you to make decisions aligned with your family’s core values.
This is such a huge aspect of creating a home with everything you need + nothing more®
Unity and Bonding
Crafting a family mission statement is a collaborative effort. It requires open communication, understanding, and sometimes even compromise. The process itself can bring together a family and unify you as you’re identifying shared values and goals.
Legacy Building
For some, thinking about legacy is a difficult consideration but a family mission statement can be passed down from one generation to the next + help foster a shared sense of family values and traditions.
Why You Need a Family Mission Statement for Your Home
Your home is more than just a physical space.
It's a place where you cultivate relationships.
It’s a place where you create memories.
It’s a place where self expression is on display.
It's a reflection of who you are and what you value.
When you are clear on what your family mission statement is then you can create a home that truly reflects your values and aspirations.
Another example to add to the examples shared above might be "to create a nurturing, inspiring, and welcoming home where everyone can thrive."
From here, you can see exactly how your decisions about how you use your space from a functional standpoint as well as how you design your home aesthetically play a major part in creating this nurturing, inspiring, + welcoming environment.
Developing Your Own Family Mission Statement
One of the most often overlooked aspects of developing a family mission statement is involving everyone. However, the reality is that people will promote what they participate in so you want to involve your family as much as possible.
And ya know what, creating a family mission statement with a 5 year old might seem daunting, but with a structured approach, it can be a truly rewarding experience.
Several Steps To Create A Family Mission Statement
Gather and Communicate
Schedule a family meeting. Ensure all members, young and old, are present. This is a collective effort, and everyone's input is valuable.
Reflect on Core Values
Discuss what values are essential to your family. Is it honesty, kindness, resilience, or perhaps a combination of several? What are the principles that guide your life? What qualities do you admire and aspire to embody?
Envision the Future
Talk about your family's aspirations. What do you want to achieve? These goals could be related to your relationships, personal growth, or even your home environment. What legacy do you want to leave behind?
Identify Purpose
Why do you do what you do? What drives you? Your purpose is the underlying motivation behind your goals and values.
Draft the Statement
Based on the discussions, draft a preliminary statement. It doesn't have to be lengthy; what's important is that it resonates with everyone. In fact, the shorter — the better.
Review and Refine
Over a few days, let the draft sink in. Come back to it, discuss, and make necessary refinements.
Finalize and Display
Once everyone is satisfied, finalize the statement. Consider displaying it prominently in your home as a daily reminder.
Implementing Your Family Mission Statement
Once you've written your Personal Mission Statement, it's time to put it into action. Here are a few ways to do that:
Living Your Family Mission — The Impact on Decisions in Your Home
With a family mission statement in place, you'll notice a shift in the decisions made within your home. Whether it's about spending quality time together, choosing educational paths, or even simple daily routines, your family mission statement serves as a backdrop against which choices are weighed.
For instance, if your mission statement emphasizes sustainability and environmental responsibility, you might opt for eco-friendly products. If it highlights the importance of family time, you might prioritize dinners together over late work hours.
These are simple but they’re elegant *wink*
Conscientious Choices: The Things You Bring into Your Home
Every item we bring into our homes, every activity we introduce, and every decision we make has an impact. Being conscientious about these choices means aligning them with our values and mission.
Your home is a reflection of your family's identity. The books on your shelves, the art on your walls, and even the food in your pantry should resonate with your family's mission.
By being deliberate about what you introduce into your home, you reinforce your family's values, creating a nurturing environment where those beliefs, values + family mission can flourish.
A family mission statement is more than just words on paper. It's a commitment, a guide, and a legacy. By understanding its importance, taking the time to develop one, and letting it guide your decisions, you ensure that your family remains united, purpose-driven, and true to its core values.
A family mission is a powerful tool that can bring clarity and focus into your home + life. It can guide your decisions, help you stay true to your values + beliefs, and inspire everyone to achieve their goals.
So why not create a family mission statement for your home? It could be the key to creating a home that truly reflects who you are and what you value.
If you haven’t already, check out our FREE video course:4 Days To A More Beautiful + Functional Home and when you’re ready to begin your transformational journey —let’s chat.