1) Having a mission statement is important to control your own destiny and choose your own path in life, especially at critical moments that can affect you forever.
2) There are three watch-outs to be aware of: negative labels that prejudge without knowledge, thinking it's all over syndrome without realizing you can change, and climbing the wrong ladder to reach your goals.
3) To achieve goals, make them specific and bite-sized by breaking down your mission statement. Put your goals in writing, fully commit to doing them without excuses, and use different moods and situations to stay motivated.