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JIMINY SELF-HELP HANDBOOK 19

A self-analysis exercise helps us to gain clarity and focus by exploring where we have been and creating
a pathway to where we are going. To succeed in this journey, besides the gaining awareness of our
minds, it is essential to well align our actions toward what is most important to us, creating a personal
strategic plan.

Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/j6Y4lyBFVdc

A personal strategic plan has the following elements:
1. Personal mission statement - defines who we are and steers how we want our dreams to go: “My
purpose is…”
2. Personal vision statement - gives a sense of direction and represents what we wish to become or
wish our life to be like. It is aspirational and embodies what our future self and future life will look
like. A vision statement deals with tomorrow, while mission deals with today
3. Top core values - personal values are the things that are important to us, motivating and guiding
our decisions. Defining our core values will ensure that our strategic plan is the right plan for
achieving what is most important to us
4. Strategic focus areas – family, work, health, leisure, etc., that are the most important of our life
and that we want to focus on and prioritise
5. Objectives – it is important to identify one or more objectives for each focus area. An objective is
a target or intention, must be attainable, and can also be something that we want to maintain or
sustain. Objectives define strategies or implementation steps to attain the goals that we want to
achieve
Without a goal, a direction we are just lost. Strategic planning is the process of establishing a direction
knowing where we are and where we are going. It is a process where values, vision and mission can be
perceived clearly, as well as intentions and goals. And to achieve our goals, and cope with the setbacks
that happen in all areas of life, sometimes we need to change tactic and have backup plans.