A personal manifesto is a declaration of what you want in life. It helps you prioritize what’s important to you and what you want to achieve. Think of it as the ultimate bucket list.

So why write one?

A personal manifesto helps keep your priorities focused. It’s written with strong, empowering language so on days you may not feel 100% or when you could use some additional encouragement, you can reminded yourself what you’re capable of, and what you’re working towards. (This can be especially important if what you’re working toward takes a lifetime to achieve!)

A personal manifesto is just that, personal. So don’t think yours needs to look like someone else’s.

Steps to get started:

1. Write down things you would like to be good at, things you value, attitudes, or behaviors you feel are important in life. It may be helpful to refer to your Kuder assessment results and view your favorite occupations list. You can read about which qualities it takes to acquire those occupations, which may turn out to be some goals you set for yourself. Your Super’s Works Values Inventory-revised assessment results serve as a good reflection for what you value in work. If you’re unhappy with what you currently do or do not value, set goals for yourself that can help enhance these values to your liking.
2. Rewrite your list in short, active, declarative sentences. For example, perhaps you wrote: I think it’s important to work hard at what ever you do. Try rewording it as: I have a strong work ethic.
3. Make a clean copy and post it somewhere you’ll see it every day.
4. Reread your manifesto every morning.

Incorporate it into your daily routine.

Taking the time to capture your goals on paper helps to clarify what’s important to you. Reading it every morning is a great reminder of what you’re capable of and what you’re working toward.

It’s a lot easier to get where you’re going if you have a map – even if it doesn’t come with directions.