This is why you should write a career mantra

This is why you should write a career mantraThis is why you should write a career mantraSo theres this largely forgotten film from 1999 called Bowfinger. Seen it? In the film (and fruchtwein things hes starred in, actually), Eddie Murphys character, Kit Ramsey, has loads of issues. Whenever hes spiraling towards a breakdown, Kits therapist suggests that he calm himself by repeating a personal mantra Keep it together. Keep it together. Keep it together. K-I-T.Maybe because I happen to share a first name with Eddies character, every time I hear the word mantra, I think of that scene - and a little part of me squirms. To me, a personal mantra has always sounded life coachy, cheesy, even cultish. When I imagine the sorts of people who have one, I dont think of creative, interesting women - I think of strangely ageless dudes who do a lot of joga in white linen.So let me clarify under no accounts am I about to ask you to write a personal mantra. No judgment if you want one, just maybe do it on your own time. Instead, Im suggesting you create a career mantra for yourself.It just takes three simple steps - no yoga or weird voodoo rituals necessary.Step 1 Start thinking of yourself as a brandJust like Apple and Coca-Cola, you are your own brand. (After all, thats where the term personal branding comes from). If that sounds inauthentic or salesy, consider this every time you write a cover letter or sit down for an interview, youre selling your skills, services, and personal qualities.So before writing your career mantra, youre going to need to start thinking like a marketer and of yourself as the product. While it may be easier for a graphic designer to think of herself as a one-woman company or brand, this perspective isnt limited to an elite crowd of creatives. You too can be your own brand, even if your ultimate goal is to work in finance.Step 2 Learn what a company mantra isEvery brand relies on a mantra to express their core values and guide their big-picture dec isions. Think of Federal Express Peace of mind, Apples Think different or Contentlys Be awesome. (A good rule for work and life, really.)Since weve now established you are also a brand, youll need your own mantra. But first, lets break down what a company mantra is - and what its bedrngnis. Step back from any stereotypes you might have in mind. Its not a yogi mantra or self-help slogan. And its not a mission statement. According to Guy Kawasaki, those run long (often unnecessarily so), whereas a mantra is 3-4 words long. Tops. Given that he was the guy behind the marketing for the original iMac, well take his word for it.A career mantra should sum up your core values quickly and memorably. But its not just a pithy phrase, its an actionable statement that you can always refer back to whenever youre considering a new direction.For a heavier breakdown of brand mantras, try this, this, or this. But really, its pretty simple. A mantra defines a companys values and goals in a single brea th. Your career mantra shouldnt make you think. It should make you feel.Step 3 Create your own career mantraYour turn Now that weve established that youre a brand and defined what a brand mantra is, its time for us to discuss how to actually write one for yourself, the best brand of all.1. Consider Your ValuesWhat are your biggest strengths, and what do you value you most about your work? Your organization? Your integrity? Your innovation? Use those qualities to make a list of power words that you associate with yourself and how youd like your career to evolve.2. What Problem Can You Solve?This is maybe a glaringly obvious statement, but people hire you to help them solve the problems that they cant or dont feel like fixing by themselves. So, when writing your mantra, think about how your strengths can provide a service to your employers, coworkers, and the public. Whats the big picture problem youd like to solve in your career? Consider ways to fold those answers into your mantra.3 . Make It ActionableOnce you write your mantra, cross-check it. Make sure its an actionable statement that you can use as a roadmap moving forward.When youre presented with a new opportunity, refer back to that mantra to determine whether it aligns with your core values and future goals. Does that job offer check the boxes? Or does it just mean more money? Especially if youre caught in that classic passion versus paycheck debate, your mantra can give you the confidence to walk away from a schwimmbad fit.To help you get started (and maybe just to torture them), I asked some of the CC team to write their own mantras. Heres what we came up withLauren, Founder and CEO Clarity comes from engagement.Because theres nothing more engaging than running an advice website.Kit, Director of Content and Editorial Keep it together. Psych. More like Dont sweat it.Really. My career goal is to take risks in favor of fulfilling, creative endeavors- and to not beat myself up when things go wrong.Sarah, Senior Designer Clear is the new clever.Enough said.Jacqueline, Social Media and Content Coordinator Comfort equals boredom.I am most fulfilled at work when I am learning, tackling new challenges, and pushing myself. Id rather struggle than be boredJacq, Editorial Assistant Do your best, and assume everyone else is, too.In life and in your work.This article first appeared on Career Contessa.