Blog Series Pt 3 - HOW TO CREATE A "PERSONAL MANIFESTO STATEMENT"
Updated: Sep 11
What is it?
The Latin root— manifestus, meaning “clear” or “conspicuous”— tells you everything you need to know. A manifesto doesn’t hedge...
It declares!
A Personal Manifesto is created to express your true values and what you stand for… It’s a declaration of how you intend to show up in the world.
Manifestos differ from mission statements by focusing on beliefs and inspiration (the “why”) rather than operations and function (the “what”), making them powerful tools for movements, brands, and individuals seeking to articulate their values and vision for change.
Popularized over 300 years ago... in earlier centuries personal manifesto's were considered a necessity in elite, artistic and academic circles worldwide.
Ironically today they matter more than ever!
In our modern digital era humans are becoming very nuanced, sophisticated and increasingly discerning... preferring to align exclusively with others whose values match their own.
Geoff McDonald, a manifesto expert, frames manifestos as “tools for change which means they are deliberately intended to disrupt the status quo.”
Whether you’re launching a political movement, defining an art form, building a brand, or clarifying your personal calling, manifestos serve the same function.
They make the invisible visible!
Why bother?
A Personal Manifesto helps others understand the real you and support your core beliefs.
It also inspires you to get back on track when you feel lost or unmotivated…
Finally, it empowers your direction and helps you stay focused. (Read it often to attract your ideal life)
How is it similar or different to a Vision Board?
A personal Manifesto is usually written although it can be done in a classic Vision Board style.
What does it include?
Although there are no absolute rules a “Personal Manifesto” often includes your most Important Values, Passions and current Interests while also giving a sense of your personal Strengths, Priorities, and ways you intend to be of Service in the World.
Most manifestos are written in point form sentences or paragraphs and are less than 600 words.
How to create your own
"Personal Manifesto"
Like establishing your unique Vision and Mission(s), a Personal Manifesto stems from considering answers to provocative questions that you ask yourself.
Ideally you consider these questions as part of a supported group activity, but the process works just fine as a solo endeavor.
If you’d like to give it a try, please move through the following questions/exercises as spontaneously and thoughtfully as you can and I’ll help you wrap it all up at the end!
You don't have to answer every question completely... if something feels too vague... just leave it our for now.
If at any point you feel frustrated, bored or discouraged... walk away for a few days/weeks and come back to the process when you’re feeling refreshed.
There are no rules just guidelines and the most important thing is you treat this like a game!
Part 1:
PLEASE WRITE BASIC POINT FORM ANSWERS
Declare the top 3 Causes You would Support if someone gave you $100,000 for charity today and why… How are you aligning with these Causes (include future intentions)
Consider "how others describe your best qualities" and declare what offerings you have shared that you know other people or animals or nature have benefitted from.
Describe the top 3 lessons you’ve learned in life… this is an amazing consideration and really reveals what you value… look for themes
Describe briefly what an ideal life looks like… where and how do you live… what do you spend your time doing…these are your lifestyle goals.
What are one or two Inspiring Quotes and Affirmations that you live by…
Part 2
PLEASE WRITE BASIC POINT FORM ANSWERS
I am…… stated in the present tense
Declare your 10 most ideal personality traits the ones you feel proud of
and want to be known or remembered for…
(see link below for suggestions and choose 1 or more from each category)
Then add the positive ways others have described you from Part 1
I feel alive when….
Declare what 3 things you enjoy the most and want more of in your life
What raises your frequency and keeps you engaged…
(Clue…when you do these things you lose track of time!!!)
I Value….
What’s your love language and what do you prioritize and why?
Now add your life lesson values and lifestyle goals from Part 1
I stand for…..
What are the top 3 things you “fight for” in life… then look at what’s opposite those things and declare why your passionate about defending what you stand for.
Then add the causes you support from Part 1
I serve and contribute…
How do you show up at the moment… and how would you like to serve in the future?
What do you consider are your top 3 contributions to the world atm…
and how are you applying them or planning to apply them.
Then add the things others have expressed gratitude to you for from Part 1
What I intend to do with
this precious life is…
What are some of your Goals… and why do they matter to you? (see vision and mission blogs) Describe briefly how you’re moving towards those goals.
Name a Hero of yours… then describe what about them you admire
Your hero holds a clue about your purpose…
and why you admire them is how you want to actualize your own life.
Whew... I know it’s a lot but you’re doing great!
Once you’ve considered and answered most of these questions to the best of your ability step away for a time… perhaps till the next New Moon. Then come back to your notes and read what you wrote.
For many of us this can be a very emotional experience!!!
It’s not often that we are given the time and the dignity to really listen to our own soul / higher self and allow it to declare it’s truth.
You may now add some of the emotions and power statements that are coming up for you to the closing statement of your Manifesto…
For many of you the whole jumble of writing may feel massive disjointed and unorganized.
If you have access to a person that has writing/editing skills you can solicit their assistance in piecing the material of your manifesto together in a succinct and summarized format.
AI is also very good at these tasks and if you feel comfortable accessing these tools enter all the answers to your questions and ask the AI assistant to edit summarize the material into a Personal Manifesto Statement 600 words or less under the following headings: I AM / I FEEL ALIVE WHEN / I VALUE / I STAND FOR / I SERVE AND CONTRIBUTE
You may also ask your editor or AI tool to write the document with a specific tone…Some people prefer a poetic and symbolic style, rich with metaphor. Others use direct, conversational language. And a few take on a more formal or philosophical approach.
When the final draft is completed review and tweak it with your own additions or subtractions till it feel resonant with who you are today.
This is a creation you can be proud of, and you may choose to share it…read it often or tuck it away and save it for special occasions.
It’s your treasure… and it reflects the treasure that you are!
Once a year… perhaps on your Birthday… sit with your Manifesto and make any adjustments or amendments that feel aligned.
The gift of time you invest in this creative process may hold a key to your self actualization and ultimate fulfillment… and is a legacy you may share and pass along to loved ones.
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