Are you looking to start your new year on the right foot?

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Take five minutes today and write a purpose statement.

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Balancing work and life's opportunities is an uphill battle, especially if you need more direction and focus.

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It's easy to fall into the "Speed Trap": racing to the peak to avoid the disappointment of not being at the top. But instead, you find yourself on the wrong mountain and need to start over from scratch.

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Your goals need to navigate you to the correct summit.

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And slowing down and focusing on intention also comes with other perks. 

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You have opportunities to be more deliberate with direction. You can prioritize the highest leverage actions, replenish your energy, and uncover hidden gems.

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Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.

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Take the time to set your intention today so you can navigate mindfully this year. 

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Smarty has a guide on how to draft a purpose statement made for you (with examples!), so follow along to learn:

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Table of Contents

• What are purpose statements?
• How is purpose different than Values or Mission?
• What are example purpose statements?
• ‎How do you utilize a purpose statement?

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What are purpose statements?

A purpose statement is your 'why.' It's the narrative that explains your actions and drives your goals.

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But it's not just about goal-setting; it's about infusing meaning and finding the soul behind your plans.

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A purpose statement helps others understand why you do what you do.

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And there are different types of purpose statements.

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The three main ones are:

• personal (for you)
• project (for a specific task)
• business (for a company)

The "who" of a purpose statement shapes a goal's unique needs, challenges, and aspirations.

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But no matter who it's for, a purpose statement always brings clarity, direction, and motivation.

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When you're stuck and faced with several choices, your purpose statement gives you the proper criteria to make a decision you know is the right step for you. It ties into the regret minimization framework because you know you can feel good about your decision. 

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Personal Purpose Statement 

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• Focus: On the individual.
• Purpose: To articulate your core drivers and values.
• Impact: Offers clarity in your journey, aligns your actions with your values and goals, and helps you navigate life's challenges.
• Crafting tips: Reflect on all the moments you've felt fulfillment or impact, no matter how small.

Your personal purpose statement answers questions like what motivates you, what you want to achieve, and the principles you live by.

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Defining these answers is a transformative tool, providing clarity in chaos. It helps you find unwavering direction amidst life's uncertainties. 

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With a personal purpose statement, every step you take is anchored to a larger narrative, enriching your life with depth and purpose.

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Project Purpose Statement

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• Focus: On a specific task or project.
• Purpose: Defines the project's goals, methods, and values. 
• Impact: Ensures everyone understands the project's aims clearly, fostering alignment and focus and facilitating effective teamwork and decision-making.
• Crafting tips: Define the project scope, including the extent of the work to be done, the limits of the project, and the specific milestones to get there. 

Addressing those essential parts declares a project's intent and goals. It details objectives, methods, and values as a roadmap for execution and ethical decision-making.

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The project purpose statement allows the project's objectives to be communicated to everyone so there is precise alignment and understanding of what to aim for. Defining the project scope manages expectations, optimizes resources, and creates accountability and a timeline.

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Establish decision-making principles that ensure the project maintains its integrity, especially when facing challenges.

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Benefits include enhanced clarity and alignment, bolstering team engagement and trust. 78% of adults favor working for companies that emphasize and lead with their purpose.

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Business Purpose Statement

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• Focus: On a company or organization.
• Purpose: Outlines the organization's core mission, goals, and values. It goes beyond mere profit and product lines to express the broader ethos and vision of the business.
• Impact: Guides the company's strategies and operations, unifies the team under a shared vision, and resonates with customers, enhancing brand loyalty and corporate identity.
• Crafting tips: Define the company vision and values so everyone understands the shared objective.

This statement outlines a company's heart - its values, goals, and mission. It's a beacon guiding team collaboration and resonating with customers.

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A robust business purpose statement fosters a united, motivated workforce and attracts customers aligned with your ethos. Over 71% of consumers show a preference for buying from companies that are driven by a clear and strong purpose.

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Common Thread Among All Purpose Statements

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• Clarity: They explain why you, your project, or your business exists and operates.
• Direction: They guide decision-making and strategies, ensuring that actions are aligned with underlying goals and values.
• Motivation: By articulating a clear purpose, they inspire and motivate individuals, teams, and organizations to pursue their goals with commitment and passion.

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A well-defined purpose statement is a powerful tool for instilling a sense of direction and meaning, whether in personal growth, project management, or business strategy. 

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Purpose Statement vs. Value Statement vs. Mission Statement 

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The terms "purpose statement," "value statement," and "mission statement" are often used interchangeably in the corporate world. 

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But they hold distinct meanings and serve different functions. 

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Let's explore each concept using examples from Smarty.

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Purpose Statement

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A purpose statement is the core reason why a company exists. It's a reflection of the company's ultimate goal and driving force. 

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Today, at Smarty, we aim "To help you plan your best day, every day."

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This purpose illustrates Smarty's commitment to elevate every aspect of our users' lives through thoughtful, intentional daily planning.

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Mission Statement

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A mission statement focuses on the current operations and how a company works daily to achieve its purpose. It is typically more specific and action-oriented. 

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For Smarty, our mission is "To create intuitive and intelligent productivity tools to empower you to achieve more." 

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This underlines Smarty's daily dedication to developing solutions that make organizing your life seamless and optimal.

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Value Statement

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A value statement outlines the principles and beliefs that guide a company's decisions and behavior. It represents the ethical backbone of the company. 

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At Smarty, we believe in:

• Innovation and User-Centricity: Focusing on the user while we invent, simplify, and deliver value.
• Freedom and Responsibility: Empowering our team with autonomy, anchored in accountability.
• Integrity and Inclusion: Upholding ethical standards while embracing diverse perspectives.

These values define how Smarty works day-to-day while remaining committed to our mission and purpose.

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Steps for Writing Purpose Statements

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1: Choose your core values

Brainstorm every critical value for you, your project, or your business. Take the time to cast a wide net and incrementally narrow it to the values guiding your purpose statement.

2: Draft a statement with this formula:

[what you want to do] so you can [be what you want to be]

3: Retrospective

Review your draft statement. Does it:

• Bring out the best?
• Challenge and motivate?
• Communicate your vision and values?
• Address significant milestones?
• Express timelines and accountability?
• Represent uniqueness?
  

Personal Purpose Statements

A personal purpose statement crystallizes your passion and guides your decisions. 

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Integrating this clarity into your professional life can lead to more fulfilling experiences and connections. These statements offer a definitive direction and intention. Concise yet impactful, they articulate an individual's core values and principles across different areas of life.

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Here are some examples:

1. "To do the best work I can to help the most people possible."
2. "To pursue lifelong learning and inspire others to do the same."
3. "To leave the world a better place than I found it."
   

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Project Purpose Statements

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A project purpose statement defines the main objectives and values of an initiative. It establishes a clear framework, guiding the project toward structured, impactful, and meaningful results. 

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When a project's core values and objectives are distinct and well-understood, it aligns and motivates the team, fostering commitment to its success. 

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To craft a compelling project purpose statement, begin by pinpointing the primary goal or challenge the project aims to tackle. Then, elaborate on this purpose by outlining the project's scope, including specific goals, expected outcomes, and the potential impact it seeks to achieve.‍

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Productivity: "To automate reporting so we streamline 20% of current workflows."‍

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Time Management: "To implement a new CRM system to decrease customer response time by 25%."

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Business Purpose Statements with Smarty

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An articulate business purpose statement can inspire trust and motivation within a team and among customers. About Sixty-three percent of employees report feeling more motivated in companies with a well-defined and communicated purpose.

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A compelling purpose statement can resonate and change your perception of the company. Find inspiration in the purpose statements of Fortune 500 companies. 

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We love Target's: "To help all families discover the joy of everyday life."

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You can find inspiration for your unique narrative, priorities, and ambitions by finding what resonates with you.‍

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How to Utilize Purpose Statements

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Crafting a compelling purpose statement is just the beginning. 

You need to apply and practice it daily. 

1. Recurring reminders
2. Prioritization
3. Visually, front and center
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‍Recurring reminders: Begin each day by reflecting on your purpose statement. Use Smarty to set a regular morning reminder, encouraging you to contemplate your statement. This practice helps align your day with your core purpose.‍

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Task Prioritization: Prioritize tasks that align closely with your purpose statement. Smarty can assist in automatically organizing your daily tasks, ensuring you remain focused on what's most important to you.

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‍Visually front and center: If your purpose statement is always visible, you have frequent opportunities to review how you have spent your time while highlighting areas for improvement.

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Use Smarty's project views to stay aligned about your project purpose statement and planned timeline. 

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Use Smarty's meeting assistant to schedule times with your team to review your company purpose statements and help everyone stay on the same page.

Smarty Empowers You to Realize Your Purpose

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A clear, strong, and personalized purpose statement is crucial at every level of your professional and personal life.

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With innovative tools like Smarty, you can bring your purpose statement to life in every aspect of your daily routine, projects, and overall business strategy.

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Remember, it's about more than just setting goals; it's about weaving your purpose into your actions and communications. 

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Your purpose statement can become your guiding North Star, illuminating the path to success and fulfillment.

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At Smarty, our core mission is to empower you to navigate the professional world quickly and efficiently. We are committed to unlocking the full potential of every user, believing that greatness begins with mastering productivity and clarity of purpose.

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Embrace your purpose and embark on a journey of focused achievement with Smarty. Sign up now for our free trial and experience how Smarty can transform your approach to productivity and purpose.