Mission, Vision, and Values

There are a few things worth remembering as you move through this life. Some of them are simple: always send a thank-you note, tip generously, and never be afraid to ask a question. Others, like the importance of aligning your Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV) with the person you choose to share your life with, carry a little more weight.

This isn’t just theory. It’s practical. It’s tangible. And it matters.

What Are Mission, Vision, and Values?

Here’s the breakdown:

• Mission: What gets you out of bed in the morning? Your mission is your purpose – what you believe you’re here to do.
• Vision: Where are you headed? It’s the picture of the life you’re building, the future you’re striving for.
• Values: What do you hold sacred? These are your non-negotiables. They define the way you treat people, how you make decisions, and what you refuse to compromise on.

These are not just ideas – they are the foundation. They’re your compass, and if you let them guide your decisions, including who you invite to walk alongside you, you’ll save yourself a lot of unnecessary detours.

Why This Matters in Relationships

There are relationships that feel effortless, and there are relationships that feel like trying to push a boulder uphill. The difference isn’t always about love, chemistry, or even timing. The difference is often in alignment – or lack thereof.

When your MVV aligns with someone else’s, you’re building on solid ground. Here’s why:

1. Shared Direction Two people in a canoe can’t paddle in opposite directions and expect to get anywhere. Life works the same way. If your vision for the future doesn’t line up with someone else’s, you’re going to end up stuck, exhausted, or both.
   • The question to ask: Do we want the same things out of life? Because love isn’t enough if you’re paddling to different shores.
2. Core Values Keep You Steady Values are the guardrails. They keep you on track when things get difficult. If honesty matters to you, but your partner doesn’t hold it sacred, the road will get rocky. If family is everything to you, but they don’t share that priority, you’ll feel that gap over time.
   • The question to ask: Do we live by the same principles? Not just what they say, but what they do.
3. A Common Mission Creates Purpose Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs. A shared mission – whether it’s building a strong family, contributing to something bigger, or simply growing together – gives you both a reason to keep showing up, even when the path gets hard.
   • The question to ask: Do we support each other’s purpose? Are we building something meaningful together?

What Happens When MVVs Don’t Align?

When someone’s MVV doesn’t align with yours, it doesn’t make them a villain. It just means they might not be the right person for you. Misalignment causes friction: disagreements that never resolve, priorities that don’t match, and sacrifices that leave you resentful.

You’re not looking for perfect. You’re looking for aligned.

You deserve someone whose values you respect, whose vision you share, and whose mission complements your own. You deserve someone who makes the journey better, not harder.

How to Know If You’re Aligned

Here’s the litmus test:

1. Do they make you better? A good partner will challenge you, encourage you, and bring out the best version of who you are.
2. Do we see the same future? Family, career, faith, lifestyle – are your big-picture dreams compatible?
3. Do our values match? How do they treat people? Do they love God? How do they respond when things go wrong? Actions speak louder than words.
4. Can we grow together? Life changes you. The right person grows with you, not away from you.

In Case I Forgot to Tell You

Here’s the thing: You are going to meet people who dazzle you. You’re going to meet people who challenge you. And you’re going to meet people who make you question everything you thought you wanted. That’s life.

But don’t lose sight of this: Your mission, vision, and values are not something you trade away for a relationship. They are the bedrock of who you are. They will help you know when to hold on and when to let go. They will tell you when something fits, and when it doesn’t.

You are worthy of a love that aligns. A love that strengthens you. A love that feels, not like a rollercoaster, but like home.

And if you ever find yourself wondering whether you’re settling, remember: the right person will walk beside you, not pull you off course.

Stay true to who you are, and the right people will find you. That, I can promise.