Happy 2017! I’m startin’ the year off strong with this 2017 vision survey to help me set some goals for myself and to get some input from you lovelies! I’m also gettin’ pretty honest with some of my current struggles.
If you’ve followed my blog for a while, then you’ve probably noticed that I’ve taken a little break in November and December. Why? Well, can I get super honest with y’all? Because blogging is tough! I know it’s portrayed as being really easy because you can set your own schedule, work from home in your PJs, and essentially write about whatever you want. But it’s really not that simple. Not for me anyway.
It’s tough for a few reasons. First, I’m the type of person that gets really overwhelmed with too many options. And having the opportunity to write about anything and everything from fashion to workouts to relationships to bible studies makes things hard for me. I strive to be excellent and purposeful in everything I do, and with so many content options, I find myself overwhelmed with which direction I should take my blog. So sometimes that plays out by me trying to hit each and every topic (which can sometimes lead to lack of depth) or me getting paralyzed with the options and not doing anything at all (aka, the past 2 months).
The second way I struggle is with a “regular” job like an office manager or teacher, you have a boss, set expectations for your position, and goals to meet. As a blogger, you’re your own boss that sets your own expectations and goals. And while that’s one of my most favorite parts of being a blogger, it also makes it hard for my personality. I have to be super motivated at all times to fight against the laziness of sitting on my couch watching Hallmark movies all day. I’m also a huge people-pleaser, so I struggle with not having a boss that evaluates me, says “good job”, or holds me accountable. The only way to stay motivated (for me anyways) is to have a very clear outline of what I should be doing and to do those things excellently… Which brings me back to clearly defining my blog content, which is the purpose of this survey!
I want to stop for a second and clarify though: I’m definitely not complaining about blogging! It really is such a neat opportunity that not everyone gets to have, and I’m super grateful that I’ve been able to transition away from the super-strict lifestyle of being a teacher to the blogging lifestyle where I have freedom and am able to creatively express myself and encourage others. I’m simply wanting to open up about where I’m at right now and emphasize the importance of this vision survey for me! If I’m being whine-y or complain-y, feel free to call me out on it. But I think it’s a fact of life that everyone gets frustrated sometimes or feels stuck/uninspired, and I would love if you could come alongside of me to help me set a vision for myself and my blog this year!
Aaaaanyway, all of that to say – While blogging is sometimes hard in regards to choosing your content and staying motivated, it’s still something I want to pursue. I just think I’ve lost myself while trying to mimic other bloggers and Instagrammers I follow. The problem with following in the footsteps of 20 different bloggers I admire is that they range from fashion bloggers to mommy bloggers to Christian bloggers. They’re all incredibly unique with their own voice, and I’m trying to do it all and cover all of the topics they’re posting about. And, in case you didn’t know this, I’m a human with limits. As much as I’d like to be an expert in every category ever known to man, that’s simply not possible.
So, here’s what I’m asking of you: Whether you’ve followed me forever and have read every post I’ve ever done, or if you’re brand new to my blog, or if you’re somewhere in the middle, will you take the survey below? If you know me, think about what I’m good at/where I’m gifted and let your answers reflect that. If you don’t know me super well, think about the type of blog you’d be most interested in following (a pure fashion blog vs. a blog full of printable resources, for example) and let your answers reflect that.
If I allow myself to continue down the path I’m currently going, my blog is going to be all over the place and eventually I’m going to lose my own voice. Obviously, I have my own opinions of what I think I’m good at and have small preferences of which categories I’d prefer to write about, but I also have blind spots. I may not be able to see that I’m super fantastic at _____. And that’s where your opinions and interests can help guide me!
Last but not least, I feel like I need to offer up some sort of incentive for your time. So, on the last page of the survey, there’s an optional blank for you to leave your email address. After I close the survey, I’m going to randomly select an email address (I always use random.org), and the winner will receive a $50 gift card to Nordstrom or Target (winner’s choice!). It’s just a simple way for me to say “thank you” for helping me set my vision for the year!
The survey is below. I got pretty detailed with each of the categories, with most of them linking to specific examples. If you have the time, browse through them so you have an accurate picture of everything. And be super honest with your answers. I promise you won’t hurt my feelings. The more honest the input, the better!
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Thank you guys so much! Your input is invaluable to me! And I’ll be sure to keep you posted on the feedback 🙂 Leave me some thoughts in the comments below!