An ideal way to break writer's block? Playfulness.
Does writing a personal or organizational mission statement feel like being boiled alive and burned at the stake? To ease the pain, try this technique I learned from coaches Dawn Copeland and Debra Woog.
Step 1: Set a timer for 15 minutes. Get ready to write.
Step 2: In one sentence only, complete the following prompts.
Vow that no one will read your words. This helps you write honestly – instead of writing what you think you should say.
I am
I believe that
I love to
I know that
I dream of
I was born to
What I want most is
I shine when
I feel most alive when
If I had a superpower
I work best when
I can help you
Step 3. Take a break. Rewrite the sentences so that you'd feel comfortable sharing them.
Weave the discoveries into a new draft of your About, How I/We Work or Mission Statement pages. I won't show you my first draft but here's my second:
I am a fighter for truth, justice and the right to be compassionate about the feelings we find within.
I believe that we can integrate mind and heart to create progress.
I love to make beautiful things and learn what other people are doing, thinking and feeling.
I know that I’m a brilliant conversational detective.
I dream of bringing constructive, open inquiry to the workplace.
I was born to ask questions, be adventurous and make people laugh.
What I want most is for people to know that their stories are powerful.
I shine when engaged in compassionate, creative exploration.
I feel most alive when open to what is real.
If I had a superpower I would be a shapeshifter who can fully understand what it’s like to be someone else.
I work best when I have freedom within a form.
I can help you clarify your ideas and feelings so they touch another and spark growth.
I love how different we all are.
There are so many ways to support each others strengths and weaknesses. I'd love to read what you wrote.
photo by Meilssa Hayden