When I was in college, one of my leadership assignments was to develop a personal statement, defining who I am and how I show up in the world. There was a process to it, requiring a deep inward look, much reflection on what we saw there, and then the sometimes difficult act of putting the definition of yourself into one statement, carefully refining it, and finally being satisfied with what would ultimately reflect you for the rest of the core leadership curriculum and beyond.
I stand for the possibility of peace through a compassionate heart.
This statement defines what I believe I bring to the world and the people I interact with. I have a gift of helping people through difficult situations and finding a peaceful place on the other side. I can’t and don’t solve the problem at hand, but I can help shape an attitude. I can offer empathy, love, forgiveness, understanding and a view toward new possibilities. I can help someone find an open door to step through, gently moving that person toward a more peaceful place.
The statement is only the beginning, though, of self-knowledge.
While vacationing last week, I read NPR‘s “This I Believe,” a wonderful collection of personal values statements. The series originally started in the 1950s, both on radio and in print. It was resurrected a few years ago online, which led to a new crop of stories. Complimented by some of the originals, this new collection was then published.
NPR challenged its audience to submit essays with the following guidance:
Frame your beliefs in positive terms. Refrain from dwelling on what you do not believe. Avoid restatement of doctrine. Focus on the personal, the “I” of the title, not the subtly sermonizing “We.” While you may hold many beliefs, write mainly of one. Aim for truth without accusation, patriotism without political cant, and faith beyond religious dogma…
Why is this an important exercise? There’s an old saying that states:
“If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”
The “This I Believe” team put it this way:
Beliefs are choices. No one has authority over your personal beliefs. Your beliefs are in jeopardy only when you don’t know what they are.
I’m going to give it a go. What about you? Not sure how to start? Try this:
I believe…
