[Before I get into this post, let me just say that this one was really hard for me to actually hit ‘Publish’ on.  I’m not really sure why.  I started writing it, very eager to analyze and lay out my blogging goals for this new year, and I was able to jot them down pretty quickly….but then my nerves took over. “Why am I even bothering to do this??  I’m a nobody.  Nobody will care about this nonsense anyway.  This post is just for me so maybe I should just keep it behind the scenes.  Gahhh, this is so stupid!”

I debated over and over again on whether or not to actually post this, but since I spent the time to draft it, I might as well.  I know it’s wordy and that you, all my lovely readers, probably won’t give a hoot about any of it, so I apologize that it doesn’t detail a specific craft or tutorial.  Those are coming back real soon though, promise!

Anyway, thanks for taking, and continuing, this journey with me.  Sorry for my rambling, but hopefully you’ll get something out of this.]

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Well, it’s hard to believe, but another year has come and gone.  It’s therefore that time again when some folks make resolutions for the new year to better their lives in one or more aspects.

This is the first new year that I’ll be entering as a blogger (which is still crazy for me to believe…ME, a BLOGGER.  Say whaaaaat?!), so I figured I should probably create a list of goals for my little ol’ blog to strive towards in 2015….because that’s what bloggers do, right?  Create lists and write important things down and are professionals with real goals and aspirations and stuff?  (In case you couldn’t tell, I still have really no idea what I’m doing or how this blog has taken off….seriously!)

I suppose this post is more for myself really, just so I can have things written down in black and white.  I need the accountability factor!  But feel free to peruse my ramblings (and give me any tips or words of encouragement if you’ve got ’em!).

 

But First, a THANK YOU!

On that note, I would be remiss if I didn’t send out a giant, huge, mega THANK YOU to all you lovelies out there–yes, YOU!–who take a little bit of time out of your busy schedules to read what I’ve shared and occasionally send me a comment or note….it truly warms my heart and brings a smile to my face….while simultaneously boggling my mind. ;)

THANK YOU GUYS AND GALS SO VERY MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT!!!  Ever since I started this journey last summer, you all have been every blogger’s dream.  Seriously.

When I first started WTSHB, I honestly thought the only readers I would have would be myself and my mom….not even joking!  However, your all’s enthusiasm, support, kind words, and inspiration have truly meant the world to me, so here’s a {virtual hug} to all of you…each and every one: *squeeeeeze*

(Unless you’re not a hugger….then here’s a virtual fist bump instead: *boom*.)

 

Blogging Goals for 2015

The term “resolutions” seems a little too formal and stuffy for me….plus, since apparently 88% of people who set resolutions fail to keep them, whereas goal-setting has better results, that’s what I’m going with!  GOALS.  And women who make their goals public have higher success rates (I mean we all know what’s listed on Wikipedia is solid truth, folks), so that’s why I’m listing mine here for all the world to see.  Normally I’m a very private person, but I’m learning to share more of myself, so here goes nothing!

These are my goals for 2015, at least regarding my little slice of the blogosphere.  They’re not absolute-must-achieves (too much pressure!), but rather some man-it’d-sure-be-awesome-if-I-could-get-these-accomplished things.  I need this list to hold myself accountable, but I also don’t want to beat myself up if I’m not able to accomplish everything because, well, life tends to get in the way and I’m trying not to sweat the small stuff (check out this for a better explanation).

 

So, without further ado, here are my BLOGGING GOALS for 2015:

Get Organized!

I started WTSHB on a whim last summer, thinking nothing would really come from it except it being a sort of online scrapbook for me and my crafty pursuits.  My first post describes it all in a nutshell.  I craft when I want, blog when I can, share on social media when I remember, and be part of the blogging community when I can squeeze out a few spare seconds (more on this below).

Thanks to the unexpected (and welcomed!) growth of this blog, I’ve realized that I need to stop blogging by the seat of my pants and get this puppy organized!  This will in turn help me organize the rest of my life as well (and provide an ounce of sanity).  Here are some specifics regarding the bloggy organization that I’m after:

• Following a SCHEDULE!  Goal #1 right here.  I’m a creature of habit, so I need to put together a schedule of some sort regarding all aspects of life as a blogger, as well as life as a wife and mom….I’m in desperate need of structure.
• Utilizing a blog planner/editorial calendar: I’m not really one for online calendars or planners….nope, I like the good old fashioned paper, pen, highlighter, and Post-It note variety!  I was lucky enough to score this blog planner for free so I’m going to give it a go.  My aim is to generate ideas and draft posts ahead of time instead of throwing things together last minute like I’ve been doing….this has been working, but boy, is it stressful!
• Posting consistently: I’m more a fan of quality over quantity (plus I have a toddler who keeps me quite busy), so I’m going to continue my goal of posting {at least} twice a week….sorry, but I just can’t do more than that.  However, I would like to become consistent on when I post to make things easier, not only for myself but also for my readers.  So look for my posts to (hopefully) be coming on the same days each week.
• Keeping a notebook handy: When inspiration strikes, I need to be ready for it!  Plus my memory has never been enviable….“I’ll remember that” just doesn’t ever seem to actually happen….

 

Get {Blogging} Educated!

This started as a hobby and is gradually (and surprisingly) turning into more.  I’ve pretty much been doing things randomly, all willy-nilly style, which is good in some ways but not-so-good in others.  I’ve discovered that I should probably definitely learn more about the tricks of the blogging trade and take advantage of the various tools and resources that are available.

I may have two Masters degrees in Psychology but I’m still a pre-schooler in the blogging world!

 

Get Social!

Let’s face it: we live in a social world.  I need to take more advantage of the various social networks (particularly Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram) to not only promote and grow my blog, but also to connect more with my readers and fellow bloggers.

• Be more active on social networks, especially Facebook:  I haven’t yet fully utilized my blog’s Facebook page, so prepare to see more of me in your Newsfeed!
• Be a better blogging community member: Blogging is better with friends!  Really it is, and there’s room for all of us.  I need to visit other blogs and spread the love more often.  It’s hard finding time for everything I want/need to do, but this is moving to the top of my blogging priority list.
• Host more giveaways!: Who doesn’t love free stuff?!  I sure do, especially when bloggers I follow offer up some of their favorite things (and darn it if I don’t think I’m going to win every single one of The Pioneer Woman‘s giveaways!).  I’ve had one giveaway so far (and it was a super incredible one at that!) and I would love Love LOVE to be able to continue to offer my readers chances to win amazing products.  Fingers are crossed, guys and gals!
• Write and host guest posts: So far I’ve only written one guest post, so if another appropriate opportunity arises, I’d love to share more posts on other awesome blogs.  I’m also pondering the idea of hosting guest posts here….maybe.  So please contact me if you’re interested in either!  We’ll see what happens….
• Participate in more link parties:  I’ve been taking part in several link parties so far, but not nearly as much as I’d like….ahhh, there are just so many hours in the day.  I’m going to party more often and party hard!  (Only regarding link parties, though….)

 

Get {More} Confident as a Blogger!

Like I mentioned earlier, I’m a pretty private person.  An introvert by nature, I tend to keep to a small circle of friends, and I’m also a perfectionist (which I’m slowly letting go of….).  When I started WTSHB, I was absolutely certain that next to no one would care about what I created or wrote, but I was still going to give this blog a go….for me.  It was and still is my creative outlet that I absolutely must have in my life.

However, that doesn’t mean this is easy for me.  Nope, I am a persistent second-guesser of myself, my own worst enemy, my harshest critic….every idea that I have, every picture that I take, every word that I write is {over} analyzed and debated and critiqued.  It’s a wonder I haven’t gone officially crazy yet!

I was so hesitant to even tell my family and friends that I started a blog….they didn’t find out about WTSHB until mid-August when I created my Facebook page, and that still gave me butterflies!

Slowly, however, I’m starting to gain more blogging confidence.  I’m beating myself up less and less.  I hope this doesn’t sound arrogant, but I’m starting to view myself more as a blogger and my ideas and writings as things that are worthy of sharing.

 

Hold a One-Year Blogging Birthday Celebration!

Technically, WTSHB will turn one in May of 2015….that’s when I first signed up with Wordpress and registered my domain and got all the techy stuff taken care of.  However, I didn’t tell a single soul about my blog, aside from my husband and one good friend (seriously, not even my mom!) until July of 2014 because I was so hesitant to put myself out there….hitting that ‘Publish’ button was (and still is) so intimidating!  I didn’t start sharing my posts or publicizing WTSHB in any way until late summer, so maybe my blog’s pregnancy started in May, but I didn’t actually give birth to it until July. {wink}

Regardless, my blog is turning ONE this year!  Wahoo!  So I’d love to have some sort of celebration (i.e. GIVEAWAY!) to commemorate the occasion.  Stay tuned!

 

Take Part in ALL 12 Silhouette Challenges

Last month, I completed my very first Silhouette Challenge, and it was so much fun!  Since I’m obsessed with my Cameo and want to make a point to post regularly and get more social, this is right up my alley.  My goal is to complete each month’s challenge….yep, 12 posts in 12 months with 12 different themes.  January’s theme is Organization, so look for that post in just a couple weeks!

[To find more about The Silhouette Challenge, check this out!]

 

Start a ‘Blogging Tips’ Series

I am by no means an expert in blogging (or anything, for that matter!), however, now that my feet have been wet in the Blogging River for a few months, I’d like to pass on some things I’ve picked up along the way and share with others.

Starting and running WTSHB has been quite the learning experience, let me tell ya.  I’d like to share my experience and hopefully help others who are just starting out or thinking about giving the blogging world a try….I mean if I can do it, anyone can!

 

Complete Some Behind-the-Scenes Upgrades

Oh, to find the time to make all the tweaks and upgrades I want!  I am no techy, so I’m going to need some help to get everything running smoothly behind the scenes.  I’ve done mostly everything myself for this blog, including all the graphics, but I need some help with the coding and all the technological stuff that makes my head spin.

• New pages: I have a few new pages I need to create as well as some revamping of current ones.
• New project gallery solely for Silhouette projects: Since I’m obsessed with my Silhouette Cameo, I’m using it all the time now and I have an ever-growing catalog of projects!  While that’s a good problem to have, it would be a little more convenient to have a new gallery with only Silhouette projects that are divided by material.
• Revamp email subscription: As of right now, if you sign up to subscribe to my blog (which I will love you forever if you would or already have!), you’ll get an email every time I publish a new post….cool, huh?  It’s currently just a teaser of the post, so I’m thinking about spicing my subscription service up a bit and making it look cuter (‘cuz I love cute!) and possibly changing it to one email a week instead of every post….maybe.
• Go back and edit early posts: Looking at some of my earliest posts makes me cringe….yowzaaaa.  I truly had no clue what I was doing, but it was all a learning experience.  They need some love though.
• Create a cute backdrop for my “final” images: Right now I’m doing most of my crafting and picture-taking in my dining room, which has gradually morphed into my craft room (much to my husband’s chagrin).  It’s the only place that has decent natural lighting in our house, but it’s, uhhh, not exactly always nice and tidy.  I have plans to create my own backdrop to try and mask the mess and take more professional-looking photos until we move later this year.

 

Be Kinder to Myself

Ok, so this one may not be related to solely blogging, and I guess it’s close to my opening paragraph as well as my Blogging Confidence goal above.  But I need to make a point to stop being so hard on myself, in all areas.

It’s ok to not be the perfect Pinterest Mom or the next Martha Stewart.  It’s ok if not everyone (or even anyone) likes something I create or share or do or say.  It’s ok to not move at turbo speed and get everything I’d like done.  It’s ok to have a pile of clean laundry laying on the bedroom ottoman for a week instead of being hung up and put away (although my husband says this is not ok).  And it’s ok that this site probably won’t ever pay the mortgage….that was never my goal, anyway.  As long as I’m happy and my son and husband are here with me, I’m good.

I need to remember why I started this blog and not get caught up in comparing myself….or my site….or my life….to others.  Who’s with me?!

 

So There!

And there you have it, ye olde internet!  These goals aren’t life-changing by any means, but it feels good to get them down on {virtual} paper….and hooray for not having a single one regarding more exercise or less ice cream! :)

It will be interesting to look back on this post during this time next year to see just how much I was able to accomplish….hopefully it’s all, or at least most, of them!

 

Happy New Year!

2014, it’s been real.  2015, bring it on!  Happy New Year, everybody!

 

Soooo, bloggy buddies….do any of you have any advice or resources to help me in attaining my goals for this year?  If so, please pass them my way!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  If you enjoyed what you saw here today, please share the love and pin it!  And I’d love for us to stay connected!