I’ve never been one to make resolutions when ringing in the new year. Last year, I blogged about 5 simple goals (not resolutions) for 2012. I thought I made things a bit too complicated in 2011, so I tried to edit myself and focus on 5 simple, straightforward and attainable goals.
My 5 goals were fine, but I realize that I never did look back at them throughout the year. They were in my brain, for sure, but I always have some sort of goal in my brain. That’s just how I am. I would have worked on these goals whether I wrote them down or not.
So this year, instead of writing down all my goals for my blog, business and life, I’m going to focus on one big huge goal. A goal that I’ve had since I can remember but haven’t made overly public. (And, no, it’s not a resolution. I hate resolutions!)
Before I get into my one huge goal for 2013, here’s how I did with my 2012 goals:
- Re-design this website Done! I kind of cheated with this one since the re-design was in process when I wrote my post. Take a look at what it used to look like. Yikes.
- Start publishing a regular newsletter Took a while, but I finally started a monthly newsletter in October. I include a writing tip, a simple way to give back and the best of the blog from the previous month. If you haven’t signed up, you should. You’ll get a free 2013 Writing Prompts and Editorial Calendar if you do.
- Contribute regularly to other publications While I still would like to find a couple other publications to contribute to, I realize that I just didn’t have enough time to devote to this goal. I was busy with other work in 2012. And, frankly, I just wasn’t sure where else I wanted to write. There may be a few opportunities out there for me. We shall see. I’m not forcing anything. (Side note: If you would like for me to contribute to your blog and/or publication and are willing to compensate me for it, drop me a line.)
- Attend and participate in BlogHer ’12 Went. Participated. Spoke. Looking forward to BlogHer ’13. (Also looking for a roomie, if you are going to Chicago in 2013.)
- Pursue speaking opportunities While I didn’t actually pursue too many speaking opportunities due to the whole time thing and other priorities, a few did come my way. There was BlogHer ’12 in NYC and the New England School of Addiction and Prevention Studies in Maine. I also traveled to Boston for a private social media training / presentation. Not too bad for very little effort on my part, I suppose.
So, what’s my big goal for 2013?
Write a book!
There. I said it. I want to write a book. And, more specifically, I’d like to write it this year.
I’m working on a proposal, and it’s coming along. I need to push myself to get it further. I mean really push myself. Any encouragement you could give me along the way would be appreciated.
As for my other small goals, I’ll blog about them as I see fit. Sometimes, reading about other people’s goals is kind of boring. I’d rather entertain and/or inspire you.
So, are you making goals or resolutions for yourself in 2013? What are they?
I love the idea of goals and not resolutions. I think that’s what I need to focus on, too! And, a book? Go for it!!!
Michelle recently posted..Holiday Week Recap – 2012
Thanks, Michelle. I’m definitely going for it. We’ll see what happens.
I hate resolutions because everyone associates them with good intentions that are never followed through. Goals seem more attainable!
On a side note, I’ve enjoyed seeing you develop your own photography business. Good luck to you in 2013!
anotherjennifer recently posted..A great way to “feed it back”
I just posted a blog entry where I talk about not sharing my goals, 🙂 I have long since given up on making New Year’s resolutions for the reasons both you and Michelle share in your comments.
The decision for me not to share my goals is based on a Ted talk given by Derek Sivers where he briefly talks about the detrimental effects sharing goals may place on achieving those goals (he does share how one can state a goal without triggering the negative side effects).
Past experience has proven this to be true for me, but I realize that may not be the case for everyone. That being said, it’s great to see all of the things you’ve achieved in 2012, and your goal for 2013, awesome! Good luck and Happy New Year!
Thanks, Sylvia. For me, I think sharing certain goals helps keep me accountable. I certainly have other goals this year, but the book thing, I felt like I needed to say it out loud. For me, it’s added motivation. Goals, resolutions, public or not – I say do whatever works!
Happy New Year!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Best of the another jennifer blog: 2012
AWESOME JENNIFER!!! What are you going to write a book ABOUT??? Am I the only one curious here? You will ROCK the book gig… I just know it. 🙂 And you know I’ll buy it and share it around my little world!!!
Chris Carter recently posted..New Year Resolution 2013
Thanks, Chris. I appreciate your support. I don’t want to give too much away, but it will be related to what I’ve been writing in the philanthropy/giving realm. 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: New Year’s Bowling
Btw- I really REALLY want to go to BlogHer 2013 in Chicago…but I’m scared! I feel illiterate as far as computer tech stuff goes and really have no skills at the whole thing except for writing- Perhaps we could be roomies and I will just shadow you and do everything you do, so I don’t freak out all the time with the unknown world of blogging! LOL I need serious guidance!! (No pressure! Really!!)
Chris Carter recently posted..New Year Resolution 2013
BlogHer 12 (my first) was definitely overwhelming, but I went in with a plan and stuck to it. It helped that I had traveled with my family and could escape to them in the evening. I’m flying solo at Chicago though. I’d love to be your roomie and navigate BlogHer 13 together. While I was doing my Writing Lab, they also had a Geek Bar going on. You can sign up ahead of time and get your technical questions answered! Let me know if you decide to go!
Oh my gosh — how exciting for you ( and all of us who will get to reap the benefits of your writing)! I thought I was the only one who hated resolutions so thanks for letting me know I’m NOT the only one! I’ve always wanted to write a book too and have also kept it on the down-low so I can’t wait to hear about your process. I don’t use this term lightly or often but it fits — you are genuinely *inspiring*, Jennifer!
Thanks so much, Amanda. Your words mean a lot to me!
And you should start writing!
Yay you! I can’t wait to hear more about your book and how it progresses. This year is gonna be a good one!
Thanks, Ilene. It is going to be a good one!
I also thought about writing “book deal” on my belly too. 🙂
I like the new design. I have found black backgrounds, while beautiful, are hard on the eyes (for me anyway).
I’ll definitely sign up for your newsletter. I plan to submit pieces this year too, topics that aren’t appropriate for MauiShopGirl but that I’ve been itching to write anyway.
Can’t wait to hear more about the book too.
Tania recently posted..Hau’oli Makahiki Hou…
Yeah. The black background can definitely be hard to read.
Thanks for signing up for the newsletter. Let me know what you think of the writing prompts and editorial calendar.
Good luck with your writing in 2013!
Writing a book sound exciting Jennifer.
If what I see on this blog is any indication; I believe in you can do whatever you set you mind to.
I know I believe in you. And I sincerely believe you’ll be successful at it.
jen recently posted..my family picture just changed
Aw. Thanks so much, Jen! I appreciate the support. Hopefully I’ll have some good updates to share in the future!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Why I Live in Maine
I know you can do it!!!! It’s hard though. I did NaNoWriMo but haven’t done anything with my draft since then – and since I still have a few chapters to go to finish the first draft, I probably should get on that!
On a side note, I would love it if you would guest blog for me in February! Your choice whether you want to do one about your business and services or about philanthropy! Let’s chat!
Alexa recently posted..My Sweet, Imperfect Child – Raising Imperfection
It’s hard to keep up, isn’t it? Right now I’m just trying to complete two chapters. That’s it. It’s harder than I thought though. If you have any tips for me, I’m all ears. Good luck with your writing!
And I would be honored to guest blog for you. I will shoot you an email.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Zero Exploited Children
The book is a great goal and one you can definitely achieve. It’s been one of my life long dreams, so of course I know how exciting it is to work on your first book! Good luck!
Lisa Kerr recently posted..Writing: The hardest job West of the Pecos
Thanks for your encouragement, Lisa. I hope I can make it a reality!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Reclaiming a Neighborhood
Hi Jennifer! Just read your fear and writing post and I can completely relate! I know for myself I’m holding back big time! The advice I’d give (and need to listen to myself!) is to picture someone who is your biggest supporter or someone who believes in what you are setting out to do (with your book vision) and pretend you are writing it for them. I think your book goal is an awesome one and would love to see you meet that goal this year!! I love your writing!
Lina recently posted..Still thinking about this talk: Brené Brown on Vulnerability
What wonderful advice, Lina. Thank you so much! I feel better knowing that other writers go through the same thing!
And thanks for the compliment. 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..I’m the Featured Writer on Studio30 Plus Today!