Every year around this time, I take a break from the blog. After blogging for more than 7 years, I’ve learned that I need this time to simply unplug for a while, to consider the year just past, to look to the year ahead. As much as I love what I do, I know that it’s absolutely vital to take some time out for myself. I know I can get into creative ruts, I know that there are times I feel uninspired or where I can’t see around a problem or challenge, I know I can get burnt out or overwhelmed. Forcing myself to simply take a break is a vital part of my self-care.
But it’s not as though I completely switch off – well, not really. I think when you run your own small business (and as weird as that seems and as personal as my blog is to me, it still needs to earn money for me to keep it going), it’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day minutiae and to forget to think about what’s gone well, what’s not gone so well and what you might change in the future – ya know, the big picture stuff.
So over the next 12 days, I will be not just cramming my face full of mince pies and turkey (and believe me, there will be a lot of that), I’ll also be asking myself the following questions. I thought I’d share them with you as well just in case you are planning on a little soul-searching yourself this Christmas break…
I’d recommend taking some quiet time to yourself to really dive deep into each question, writing down your answers and referring to them throughout the course of the year to keep you on track.
End of Year Questions for the Blogger or Small Business Owner
- What tasks am I currently doing that take up the most time?Β Are there any of those tasks that can be outsourced that take up valuable time but that I don’t need to do?Β If I can outsource those tasks, how will I use my time profitably/creatively?
- What projects have I said ‘yes’ to in the last year that weren’t the right fit / didn’t fulfil me creatively / I didn’t enjoy? How can I make sure I don’t say yes to these projects in the coming year?
- What projects were the right fit / fulfilled me creatively / I enjoyed? What did I love about them?Β How can I do more of these?
- What does my ideal work week or work day look like and how can I restructure my time to make it possible?
- Did I have a financially profitable year? What streams of revenue are the most profitable? Where should I concentrate my efforts going forward?
- What makes my blog different from others out there? How can I make sure I continue to stand out? Are there ways I can be more authentic or original for my readers?
- Where do I gain the most inspiration and creativity? How do I find more of these sources or get the best out of the sources I have?
- What were my most popular posts for the year? What made them resonate with my readers? What can I do to create more of that kind of content?
- What does success for me really look like? Not just in terms of numbers or financially but what aspects would bring me the most joy and what am I doing to achieve these goals?
I realise these won’t all apply to everyone but hopefully, that will get you thinking and planning for the coming year!
And with that, I just wanted to say a massive thank you. I know I probably don’t say it enough but your continual support really does mean the world to me. All the messages I receive, emails and comments across the blog and on social media makes every day so worthwhile and I know without you, Swoon Worthy simply would not be what it is today. So thank you thank you and thank you.
I just want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year or a wonderful relaxing end of the year, whatever you are celebrating (or not, as the case may be). Thank you to my readers, my fellow bloggers, commenters, tweeters, emailers, and those who simply join me quietly β Iβm sending huge holiday hugs and kisses.
2018 is set to be an exciting one with a house move and with that will be a host of new projects so I hope you stick around to see more. And if you don’t want to miss out, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing. So with that, Iβm off until early January! See you all on the flipside! xxx
Happy Holidays! Love your blog and looking forward to seeing you again in the New Year!
Thanks so much Shel! Happy holidays to you and yours! Mwah! xxx
Have a wonderful Christmas Kimberly – and thanks for all the year-long inspiration. Now get those feet up and start chilling!
Hope you and Keith and all the family have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, lovely lady! Sending lots of holiday hugs darling and thank you so much for everything xx
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your sweet family!! I enjoy your blog so much!! Thanks for all the inspiration you provide throughout the year! Looking forward to 2018!!
Aww thank you so much lovely! A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours as well :) xxx
happy holidays to you as well.. I’ve enjoyed the 2017 journey with you and look forward to spending 2018 with you.. thanks for all the inspiration
Thank you for all the wonderful inspiration this year! A very merry Christmas to you and your family :-). Excited to follow your journey in 2018! xx
Enjoy your time off – everyone needs a refresh, particularly those in creative mode on a daily basis. Happy Christmas and see you in the New Year! And give Quito a kiss for me too!
These are great questions! As a fairly new blogger, these are great for me to consider. Iβm definitely going to reflect on them before moving in to the new year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you also….looking forward to following you in your new home.
Yours is the only blog I read regularly, I want you to know that. I (we) are looking forward to your posts in 2018, the house hunting… house buying… and house renovating!
Happiest holidays, cheerio!
Xoxo Barbara the Boston Anglophile
Enjoy your break! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Have a wonderful Christmas Kimberly! Enjoy what you love to do! Hope you happy for upcoming holidays.
Thank you for a wonderful year of your blog which I have enjoyed 100%.
May I wish you, Wayne and your fur babies a very merry Christmas and a joy full new year. All the best for 2018.
Good health and best wishes
Keith and Pauline XXX
Love your blog and looking forward to seeing you again in the New Year!