Blogging Core Values – Life Lessons From Toddlerhood
Do you have core values for blogging?
Today, we continue my favorite series, Life Lessons from Toddlerhood. You may be wondering what blogging core values and toddlerhood have in common. Please stay with me and I’ll explain.
What This Series Is Meant To Do
This is a series that is meant to inspire you. It is meant to get you excited about writing. No matter how boring a topic is, this series is meant to encourage you and hopefully, to motivate you.
Today, I’m sitting with my big Detroit coffee mug, but instead of drinking my usual coffee, I’m drinking hot chocolate with whipped cream. It is amazing on a chilly day like this, and I would highly recommend that the next time you sit down to write to make sure you have a big cup. I’m listening to She and Him, one of my favorite bands. I’m setting the mood to write this article and it is working.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Lately, I’ve been wading my way through some of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s writings. I am very disappointed at the lack of exposure of this great American author that I had during my grade school days. However, I am now making up for it and the ladies at the library think I’m crazy.
Here is one of my favorite Emerson quotes and it’s the backbone of today’s article.
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
My 22-Month-Old
When I first read this quote, my thoughts went straight to my little lady. This is one of my many hopes for her. I hope that she can know herself, be herself, and trust herself. So that when she faces the darker things of this world, she knows who she is and when she faces the lighter things of this world, she knows who she is.
I think this is one of my hopes for her, because it is one of my hopes for myself. As a writer and a human being, the world works to change who you are. Just like our blogging world, there is always something pulling at you. Sometimes these things are good because they refine you.
However, there are core values that I have as a writer that I never want to change. Core values steer us towards our ultimate goal and keep us on track. I wanted to share those core values with you.
3 of My Core Values as a Writer
- Regardless of whom I’m writing for or what I’m writing, I want to inspire those who are reading my articles. I want to make a difference.
- I want to produce quality work. I never want to publish something that I’m not proud of.
- I never want my job as a writer to take away from my family. This causes me to have 5:15 am wake up calls, but it is well worth it.
Having core values as a writer or as a business is really helpful. Core values can be a launching pad for how you chose to brand yourself and your company. Even Dr. Stephen Covey, the author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, talks about having a mission statement not just for your business, but also a mission statement for your life.
Do you have core values as a writer, in your business or in your life that are steering you to reach your goals? I would love to hear what they are. Please share them in the comments below.
Another BRILLIANT article by one of my favorite writers Christine King! I agree with your statement regarding Stephen Covey and core values (I met him and attended his seminar 22+ years ago). Family first is also so extremely important to me and it will serve you well in life. Side note, my youngest son is trying some new hot chocolate recipies today so I will be right there with you enjoying some hot cocoa! Thanks for sharing your talents with everyone!
Heidi,
What are those chocolate recipes? 🙂 I would have loved to see Stephen Covey in person, what a great experience that must have been. Thank you so much for sharing.
Great values the ones that most of us try to have and get post, enjoyed the read.
Margaret,
I’m glad you enjoyed the article! Thank you for commenting. 🙂
I absolutely and positively do, Christine! I want to help, just like you, I want to be proud of what I’m writing about, I don’t want my blog post to be just an item checked off my list. And I want to be truly me in what I write. One example is simplicity – I am really proud of writing it in such a way so I can make it simple and easy to follow, it’s one of my mantras at Blog Formatting.
Thanks for this great post!
Delia,
I love how one of your core values is to be “truly” you in what you write. That is a great core value that I might have to steal. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing.
I like your 3 core values, as for mine, I’ll have to have a think and get back you. You pose an interesting question.
Phoebe,
I look forward to hearing your core values. Thank you for commenting. 🙂
Christine –
Great post! I love that you quoted my favorite time management guru – Stephen Covey. Your post has inspired me to think about my core values as a blogger. #1 is quality. Only publish blogs that mean something – to me and to my reader! As Delia said, it’s not just crossing something off the list.
FYI – my new hot chocolate recipe . . . 2% milk, hot chocolate mix – warm on the stove top. Once super warm (but not boiling) dump in a bag of marshmallows. Stir until melted. Drink with whipped cream. (FYI – the level rises FAST once the marshmallows start to melt!) Super rich, super creamy!
Lisa,
I am going to try that hot chocolate recipe as soon as I can. 🙂 It sounds amazing. You can never go wrong with a core value of producing quality work. Thank you so much for sharing, really thank you. I’m going to pick up a bag of marshmallows today. 🙂
One of my core values is to make sure that I write about things which are relevant to my readers and to be honest when writing product reviews.
Carol,
I love your core values. Staying relevant can be challenging but your readers will thank you for it. There many not be a better way to build trust with your readers by giving them honest reviews. I’m so glad you shared your core values. Thank you so much 🙂