Why My History Blog Stands Out: A Deep Dive into My Mission and Guiding Principles
Step 4 on my 6-Step Checklist to Escape the 9-5 is Research The Best Fit. And I have.
Every year, I've been acknowledging my birthday on this blog. I became Free At 50 because I ditched the corporate lifestyle and mindset at age 49. This year, I'm looking at my birthday a little bit differently as I solidly head into my "mid-50s" (there I said it!) turning 54 next week.
My birthday gift to myself in 2024: I re-evaluated my business and goals.
My 'why' stayed the same (you can read about that by clicking here), but my how is pivoting ever-so-slightly. I'm focusing on income-earning through what was my "hobby" blog and turning this Free At 50 blog into my "hobby" blog. (But I won't scoff at any income it brings!)
This led me to do a bit of a review of each step on my 6-Step Checklist to Escape the 9-5 and in that I had to do a little research. I needed to see HOW to earn income with a history blog - because yes, that's a bit different than a blog such as this one.
But then I had to back it up. I needed to hit Step 4 and research how to create a purposeful mission statement AND how to create guiding principles that work for me. The goal being that these two things ensure they're best fit for my readers and for me.
Necessary disclaimer: As a blogger, I use affiliate links sometimes! I may receive commission from purchases I share; it does not change your price but sometimes you might get a discount.
Photo credit: Groove free stock photos
The two tools I used.
1) The Epic Blog planner.
I've been using this planner consistently for the Free At 50 blog and it works for me. That's an important point y'all- find something that works for the way you "see" your business and keeps you on track.
Click here to purchase it.
2) The Essential Habits of 6-Figure Bloggers by Sally Miller.
Like the Epic Blog planner, this book was a tool and a resource for me as I built this Free At 50 blog!
Click here to purchase it.
Using my Epic Blog planner for my What American History Is About blog
Creating the perfect mission statement.
Miller's book goes into detail on how you can craft your perfect mission statement. It's truly an exercise and not a "one-and-done."
For me, it included:
- time on a workcation
- understanding what content has resonated with my readers
- feedback from history lovers
- knowing what problems I'm naturally drawn to solve
...and more.
Here is the mission statement for What American History Is About, my history blog:
Create joy and understanding through the people, places, art, objects, and their stories that embody our American history.
See how that perfectly captures my goal with the blog and what I've found resonates with my readers?
Do you have a mission statement created? I'd love to know what factors you considered when creating it! If you don't have one or aren't content with yours and ready to evolve it, use the calls to action at the end of this article.
St. George Tucker House- partial view, Colonial Williamsburg
Defining my 6 guiding principles.
The mission statement is a commitment to my readers. My guiding principles are for me (and, ultimately for the readers).
Ensuring I'm HAPPY, confident, creative, motivated, inspired... all of those things will result in meeting my mission with passion and purpose. I'm embracing them as my "north star" staples in moving forward with What American History Is About as my business.
Diving into the exercises and questions created by Sally Miller and outlined in her book led me to establish the following six guiding principles- in no particular order:
- Be continually inspired. (take notice, enjoy the journey, create opportunity)
- Say "no" to/ditch what doesn't serve me. (mentally, physically, to earn income)
- Bring joy to others.
- Allow myself grace. (so I can be my best)
- Truth matters. (be as accurate as possible with my content, be open to corrections, always be authentically me)
- Keep it simple. (avoid overwhelm)
Conclusion and calls to action.
All of this will help my history blog stand out from the others. Having a clear mission statement and effective guiding principles will ensure it!
Researching and digging in were vital to getting them finalized.
If you're working on 9-5 escape, whether it's through blogging or another form of business, I highly suggest you grab the tools above as well as download my 6-Step Checklist to Escape the 9-5 by clicking here.
And if you want to discuss your escape, including creating your mission statement and guiding values--- or even starting a blog for your business, book a call with me! It's quite possible my 3-2-1 take ACTION offer is for you. Click here.
Wandering the grounds of Bassett Hall in Colonial Williamsburg
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