A bio or biography is a written introduction of what a person has accomplished professionally. It’s not your resume, but rather a narrative about you and your accolades. You probably have a professional biography but have you ever written your personal biography? How about a personal mission and vision statement? Every company has one, and so should you as a person.

What would your personal biography say about you? Creating one will make you really think about who you are and what your values are. Have you ever been asked, “how would you describe yourself in a couple of sentences or words?” If so, were you able to answer that question right away without having to struggle to find a good description that would accurately portray you?

The first time I came across the idea of a personal biography, I was intrigued so I created my own after doing an in-depth evaluation of who I am. Here is what I came up with.

 My Personal Bio

I am a daughter, sister, close friend, partner, creative person and mentor.

I am ambitious, committed and passionate in my professional and personal life, and I surround myself with like-minded people.

I am a believer in paying it forward so I support worthy causes and worthy people.

I am generous, patient and supportive, but if my patience, support or generosity is abused, I withdraw it quickly.

I look forward, don’t look back and have no regrets.

I am a loyal friend to loyal and decent people, but if I detect disloyalty, abuse or malicious gossip, my friendship will be withdrawn.

I am a person with integrity, I give honest opinions and do not backstab and expect the same from people close to me.

I can take honest opinions and engage in mutually respectful debates but I don’t tolerate someone trying to insult my intelligence or people taking things too personally.

I allow people to believe what they believe without judging and I expect the same from them in return.  

Inclusivity and diversity are part of my high standards.

Let’s create your personal bio now. If you need help, do the following thought-provoking exercise. It will give you further clues about who you are. To get to know and to define yourself, answer the following questions.

1.     What setbacks or failures in life have you overcome and what did you learn from them?

2.     What remarkable experiences did you have in life so far?

3.     What do you do on a daily basis that gets you where you ultimately want to be in life?

4.     What do you admire in other people?

5.     Has anyone ever asked you for advice? If so, what about, and why do you think the advice seeker thought you would be the right person to give such advice?

6.     What is your favorite quote, and why?

7.     If there was a book or movie about you, what would the title be and why?

After you have written down your answers, analyze them. Here is what your answers are telling you about yourself.

Question 1: Shows your strengths.

Question 2: Shows what you are grateful for or appreciate.

Question 3: Shows your commitment in life to grow and succeed.

Question 4: Shows what you look up to and idolize.

Question 5: Shows the confidence people put in you to help them in a specific area, which may be one of your strengths.

Question 6: Determines your values in life.

Question 7: Shows how you see yourself and what area of your life is predominant.

Your answers might reveal that you are more amazing than you thought, or this exercise could show you where you need to improve.

Next, let’s work on your Personal Mission and Vision.

Personal Mission and Vision Statement

If you have never put your personal mission and vision statement on paper, go ahead and develop one now. It will allow you to talk about yourself with confidence and let people know what’s important to you in your personal life. This will come in handy when you meet new people or even when going on a job interview. Give it a try.

It’s not that easy, is it? I also had to think for a bit to put mine together. If you really know yourself and know where you’re headed in life, it will come easy but not everyone can come up with such a statement on a moment’s notice.

So have a look at mine below if you need some inspiration and then create yours.

Always remember

“When you know who you are and your mission is clear and your vision on target, you know that nothing will stand in the way between you and your goal.”

Karynne Summars // Editor in Chief