I chair a non-profit organization, the Burnaby Division of Family Practice.
It is supported by the general practice services committee, which is jointly run by the BCMA and the provincial Ministry of Health.
The members of the Burnaby division are 125 family physicians who serve the patients of Burnaby.
Our vision for the Burnaby community is patients and physicians achieving health and happiness.
Our mission is to engage, support and mobilize family physicians in co-creating a network that will support the wellbeing of all members of the Burnaby community.
Mission and vision statements are essential to the foundation of all organizations. They articulate their ethos and raison d'être.
To achieve our mission, the board must develop strategy and set short and long-term goals. The day-to-day business of the organization must be aligned with our vision and our values.
Most of us don't run our lives like a business or a large organization.
We have our hopes and dreams, and we do set goals - at least for the near future - with respect to our careers, our finances and our relationships.
But most days, we are occupied with the busyness of the day - we do what needs to be done right now, we get distracted by what's new and novel, and we can be swept away by the drama and crises of our personal lives.
Sometimes, we can be too busy to think about anything other than get-ting through school, working to keep food on the table, maintaining a home and supporting our families.
No wonder we may find ourselves in unhappy places; we have strayed far from where we wanted to be. Perhaps we have outgrown our goals.
We may find we have neglected important aspects of our lives: our relationships, our health, our dreams. Our activities may no longer be aligned with our values.
It makes sense for each of us to step back and look forward.
What is your vision - for yourself and your world?
What is your vision for a desirable future a year from now?
Where would you like to be in five years . . . in 10?
Projecting to the end of your life, what would you like to have achieved?
What will bring you the most fulfillment and happiness?
Mission statements are not just for large organizations. They are crucial to long-term happiness and ongoing balance in your life.
What do you believe in? What do you stand for?
What gives your life meaning?
Consider taking the time to write your personal mission statement. Begin with your values.
When you get it right - that is, right for you, your mission statement will resonate with you.
It will serve as your daily compass - to keep your words and actions aligned with your values.
It will guide you in setting big and small goals in all the important areas of your life.
My personal mission is to achieve my positive potential in this life and to help others achieve theirs.
Dr. Davidicus Wong is a family physician and writer.
His Healthwise articles appear regularly in this paper. You can read more about achieving your positive potential in life at davidicus wong.wordpress.com.
