Short term mission statement

Those of us who are intellectual, who work in the academy, naturally have a prejudice against the crass world of business. But we can learn a lot from business.

Many companies have a mission statement. The idea of the mission statement is to put into words the main objectives and core values of the organization. It is the company's vision.

There is no reason why people can't have a mission statement. About two and a half years ago, my sister wrote a very lengthy, thorough mission statement for herself. I don't have that kind of clarity at the moment. But I can put forth some short-term values.

My short-mission statement is modeled after the short, declarative mottos you see in sports teams locker rooms.

1. Have faith.
   
2. Be committed.
   
3. Be focused.