Wednesday, December 31, 2014

The Past Year In Retrospect


Before I sat down to write this post, I thought back about my blogging year.  As memories of the past year streamed behind me, I remembered both good and bad.  I feel there were some months where I was incredibly focused.  I followed up on deadlines, I pursued social networking, I produced content and communicated with sponsors. But other months were....less than stellar.  And let's face it, there are quite a few areas that need to be addressed regularly if you're a blogger. For instance, if social networking is neglected for any length of time, traffic can be severely impacted.  (Which it was) And if one doesn't post regularly, it can be devastating. But how much posting is sufficient?  Once a week?  4 times a month? In my mind, that isn't near enough.  But that is what happened at times. 

My quandary was time.  I love to blog, but realistically how much time do I have to spend on it? Life sometimes gets in the way.  Who can plan for the unexpected?  Who would've thought my son would go to State and then actually win State?   And after all, my first 3 priorities are my faith, family and my job, which provides my reliable source of income and, let's be honest, gets me out of the house. Even so, blogging is an easy 4th.  While things went even as they did, I still managed to grow my blog, produce content, do reviews, and host giveaway events.  More importantly, I still love to blog and don't dread opening up my browser to create!  Here are some of the highlights of 2014!


  • I was flabbergasted at the high water usage in certain areas of our desert state and I ran into an all-too-common occurrence as we build further and further into wildlife habitat!  
  • I started two linkys - Motivating Monday and Sabbatical Sunday!  These will be continuing throughout 2015 because I love to read your blogs and learn from your experiences!  I don't ask anyone to follow other blogs, but I do promise to promote all link-ups on one of my social media channels! 'Cause I love you!
I've never been into goals for my blog but this year I think I'll try it and even make it public! My goals for next year are to grow my content and giveaways by 20%!  That means 3 more giveaways than last year (and I do select my giveaways carefully) and 4 more self-authored posts!  Yay!  Something to shoot for!  My most important goal, however, is to continue to love blogging and if that means taking a break sometimes to clear my head, I will definitely do it!
 
What are your goals, blogging or otherwise, for 2015?

24 comments:

Melanie M. McKinnon said...

I'm hoping to get more publicity for my blog in 2015.

Krista said...

I have some goals for my blog also this coming year! I need to really promote my blog more and get the word out about it. I want to do more giveaways also and try to post at least 4-5 times a week! I slacked off a little with the holidays but I'm jumping back into the swing of things!

penni said...

Good to hear that you have your priorities straight...and good luck with your goals for the new year! Special thanks for the great giveaways!

Shannon said...

These are great goals. I don't really make any resolutions, but I am trying to make more homemade and healthy meals.

Ronda said...

Me too, I dont know what happened but my traffic grew but Alexa ranking shrunk in less than a month. Weird

Tamra Phelps said...

All I really want to do this year is get healthier. That means dropping pounds for my diabetes & arthritis.

debra dubois said...

These goals are amazing I wish I could stick to goals I want to achieve but things always get in the way..

TriciaD said...

I love these goals

Unknown said...

I think you have done a wonderful job!! Keep up the great work work!!

Megan S said...

I've noticed with youtube that it's hard to keep a constant stream of content that brings people in. But don't give up! Just keep on working :)

Dana said...

Everything goes smoother with goals! Good job!

Dee rose said...

My goals this year is get a car(used) so i can be independent once again,get my diabetes under control,and get a house!

Unknown said...

Through one of your giveaways I became acquainted with your sites and blogs. I can appreciate that time is valuable, and there are other priorities. That being said, blog when you can, enjoy being busy, and good job.

justwin4once said...

I think bloggers must be some of the busiest people I know. I am hoping to eat healthier in the upcoming year.

Unknown said...

great goals! I really need to come up with some!

Natalie B. said...

I don't blog but, I can imagine it would take up quite a bit of time. You've got a full plate so please take time off if you need it. The goals you set are very realistic and not too over the moon. I'm wishing you happiness, health, and luck with your goals in 2015!

cheryla lister said...

I've enjoyed looking at your blog! Just found it. Hope all goes well in the new year.

Unknown said...

We are hoping to declutter and move to a bigger place

cherio1 said...

I really hope to take better care of my numerous health problems in 2015.

Anonymous said...

great goals i try to set them just dont always follow them....you had a pretty productive year....

denise low said...

I think that you will do very well. Good luck

Unknown said...

Wow, you had quite a year....2014 was not a good year for our family. May your 2015 be blessed.

A GAL NEEDS... said...

I'm sorry to hear that, Kelly. I hope that 2015 will be much better!

lilyk said...

I know what you mean about not having enough time. I think your goals are great and keep up the good work! =)