This past summer I created a personal vision statement as part of a study abroad trip. Personal vision statements provide clear direction, give you life goals, and lead to change.

The term itself sounds formal and perhaps like an assignment, but it's been a meaningful part of my life since the trip, something that helped me recognize my strengths and aspirations and has held me accountable for continuously working toward my goals.

Creating a personal vision statement is about figuring out what you stand for and what qualities you need to focus on to be your most complete self. An added bonus is that laying out your goals makes you more committed to them than when they remain vague ideas in your mind.

To begin, think about the strengths and values you already possess. These traits in part define who you are, influence your view of the world, affect what is important to you, and determine how you make decisions and how you act.

Next, write out your priorities. How do you want to spend your time, and what are your goals for yourself? More sleep, more exercise, more time with friends, more spontaneity, more time spent doing your hobbies?

Create your vision statement in a way that will encourage you to stay ambitious and live life the way you desire to live it. If you include short sentences, you can choose one or two to focus on each day. An example of part of a vision statement could be: “Go slow. Respect people."

Even if you aren’t interested in creating a personal vision statement, the quotes below can function as short mottos to live by.

Your vision statement can be shorter or longer, more general or more specific than mine, but here is what I came up with:

I will be a thoughtful and grateful daughter, sister, friend, granddaughter, and mentor. I will show people that I would do anything for them and that I will listen any time. I will be an empathetic and honest leader. I will remember that I may not have the typical strengths leaders have, but I do have self-awareness. I will use my traits to my advantage. I will cultivate authentic and meaningful conversations, both with people I know well and with whom I am just getting to know. I will ask tough questions in order to gain a better understanding of myself and my reasoning and to help others develop a better understanding of themselves and why they are the way they are. In doing so, I hope to improve others’ lives. I will live humbly and with no regrets of living that way. I will live mindfully and carry myself with confidence, positivity, and passion.

Vision statements or mottos that you want to live by are important enough to write out or design and print to frame on our walls as reminders of our expectations and goals for ourselves.

A more concise version of my personal vision statement is:

Live thoughtfully, honestly, and empathetically. Be confident, positive, and grateful. Be aware, both of others and myself. Show others the spirit of Ubuntu. Cultivate authentic conversations, and ask the difficult questions. Listen patiently. Live humbly. Travel mindfully. Say yes daily.

In doing these things, I believe I have the power to make a difference in others' lives, as well as on my own.

Begin crafting yours today (and feel free to adopt portions of mine). Read it and live it every day.