Matthew Rochte - Personal Mission Statement

Matthew's Mission Statement

The story behind this, my, mission statement: I came upon this quote from William Henry Channing in 1992. It was shortly after I had started working with a man who radically changed my views on the world and the way I interacted with people. The man’s name was Geno Johnson. He was a personal physical trainer, “Mr Tall America” as a matter of fact. He was 62 but looked 40.

I had just lost 70lbs and had a new body that I wanted to know how to work and I asked around for who was the best trainer – everyone, hands down said Geno. So I went to hire him.

He refused.

He told me that he wouldn’t work with me. Unless, I changed the way I thought, and changed the way I interacted with people, and changed what I ate. And then he told me why - "It will be a waste of my time and a waste of your money." (I feel the same way about commitment to coaching, thanks to Geno)

Before Geno - I was an arrogant, full of myself, bratty, a “sophisticated” WASP in the SF Bay Area, who really didn’t believe there were many people on the planet worth talking to much less listen to. (I can’t believe that was me- but it was!) I even had personalized plates on my Audi that said “Acious” – Audi-Acious – Audacious!

Anyone who could stand up to me and put me in my place like that with the peacefulness of a monk – had my attention. I agreed and he let me hire him.

He was a major catalyst in me becoming the man I am today. His work went well beyond physical training, which was excellent – he was what today we would call a life coach. He reawakened my curiosity, my passion for learning, and made me aware that truly every individual has a story - if you are willing to listen. Without his guidance I would have never been open to this profound message, my mission statement..

I found this message in a local artist show after a few weeks of working with him and I was powerfully drawn to its message(attraction principle at work). The words spoke to me, not the man I was then, but rather, the man I was becoming. Now as I read it, it is about ME, who I am continually stiveing to be along with who, how, and what I am bringing to the world.

So many times I have tried to write my own mission statement and each time I end up writing pretty much the same sentiments. So I have now adopted it officially as my personal mission statement.

Mission:

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To live content with small means;
To seek elegance rather than luxury,
And refinement rather than fashion,
To be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich.

To study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly,
To listen to stars and birds,
To babes and sages with an open heart.

To bear all cheerfully, do all bravely,
Await occasion, hurry never.
In a word,
To let the spiritual unbidden and unconscious,
Grow up through the common.

-William Henry Channing (Unitarian Minister)
nephew of William Ellison Channing

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