The start of a blogging new year! Posted on September 24, 2015August 13, 2021 By Becky For other people, January 1st signifies the start of a new year, and the chance to make resolutions and focus on change (or continuity) and hopes, dreams and challenges for the 12 months ahead. For me, September is my January 1st equivalent. After a slightly soggy summer of fun with my children, I’ve felt slightly glad to get back into a bit more of a routine, and get that work/life balance back that I struggle with over the summer months. It’s a time for me to focus on how I’m going to work with my social media clients over the next year, as well as where I want my blog to be heading, what I want to write about, and potentially what sort of companies/brands I want to be working with. I must admit that I spent a fair bit of the summer feeling grumpy and disillusioned with blogging, my/other people’s motives for doing it, and very ‘out of it all’ and having a bit of writer’s block. After thinking about it, I’ve decided that it’s not actually the blogging world at all, but more ‘me’ and not really having time to do anything over the summer makes you lose your mojo a bit. Hence why I love getting back into more of a routine! I’m someone who definitely works better with one, and now Freddie is in school, and S is in preschool for 3 full days a week, I now have more time in which to work, as well as fit in some much-needed exercise (I joined a gym, people, a gym!). It means less doing stuff in the evenings, and I can really enjoy my Wednesdays and Fridays with my little lady, as well as focus solely on my after school time with F. This year, blog wise, I’m going to make a few changes, and have a few goals. These are: Take the whole 2 weeks at Christmas off, bar maybe a couple of pre-planned posts, so I can fully enjoy the season. If I have time to do some posts then great, other wise I’m not going to worry. Ditto next summer. I intend to take a whole month off and not even worry, again, bar a few pre-planned posts. It will reduce my stress levels and I’m hoping make me really appreciate the time off with the children. Continue to focus on my home and interiors posts, and incorporate more home-organisation, as well as continue documenting our holidays and days out. I enjoy writing about the children and our family, but I’m aware now that since Freddie has started school, and Sasha will next September, that I don’t feel comfortable writing about them in too much detail anymore. Be a more supportive blogging buddy, and start commenting more on the blogs I love. I feel commenting has reduced all round since the beginning of the year, and even though time is precious, we should all share the love a little more! Have the guts to approach brands I love and see if they would be interested in working together. You’ve got to be in it to win it, right?! Enjoy it! It’s easy to get caught up in blogging politics and the (frankly not important) minatue of the blogging world, and worry too much about what’s going on. It’s supposed to be fun, not mega-stressful, and it’s a really great part-time job, so ENJOY! Aaah, that feels good to write that down and get it out! Do you have any goals/aims over the next year for your blog? What are they? Let me know, in case I’ve forgotten any good ones! BeckyMeet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness. Blogging Bloggingfresh startsNew Year
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You have the same goals as me!!! How nice. I also took a month off in the summer and it was lovely. It really helps to step back and it tends to give you a fresher outlook. I’m going to do the same at Christmas too. It’s almost like ‘research’ time because you read and take things in and in the end, have a ton of great ideas to start back with. Reply
I like the idea of calling it ‘research’ time! I definitely need to take a clear break every now and again and a proper blogging ‘holiday’, as I know I’m a much better Mummy when I’m not thinking about what I could be doing/need to do blog-wise, and everyone will be happier as a result x Reply
Brilliant post honey, it’s so good to have goals but keep them realistic. I wouldn’t worry too much about commenting, when life gets manic it’s the first thing to get dropped, but we’re all parents, we understand 😉 Best of luck with sticking to your goals, I’m looking forward to hearing how you get on xxx ps. what’s the worst a brand is going to do? Say no or ignore, really not scary at all! Reply
Aaaw thanks lovely! You are always so supportive 🙂 I think these goals are realistic and not too big/too many. With commenting I’m going to try and do an hour or two once a week in the evening, and make it something to look forward to and catch up on my favourites x Reply
I love this post Becky. I have similar aims – def comment more. I read loads but then often forget to comment afterwards. Good luck xx Reply
Thanks A! I would comment more, but the trouble is I read loads of posts on my phone which I feel makes it difficult to comment properly with (unless it’s a post shared on FB and the like). Must try harder! x Reply
I’ve never really looked at September being a new year for blogging but it will be now that Amelia’s started school and we’ll be doing more stuff in the summer. I think I may take a leaf out of your book at take xmas off but I know I won’t be able to resist logging on the laptop hehe xx Reply
They sound like great goals for the year and I can’t wait to see what you get up to – I’d like some time off at Christmas too x Reply
Sorry you’ve been feeling rubbish lately, I’ve felt much the same of late and only recently realised it was all part of September meh-ness. I’ve found so much cr*p in blog land of late, just one of those months where the bad outweighs the good and I’ve wondered why bother. Anyway I digress, this is about you! I think those are fab goals to stick to. Enjoying it and giving yourself time off are definitely the most important things to hold onto. Lots of love xx Reply
Good luck. You have such a gorgeous blog and I just love it. It is such a reflection of you and that’s so important in blogging. And having variety makes is interesting. I love your home posts so will be good to see more of those. Looking forward to reading more 🙂 Jess xx Reply
I definitely see September as my time to get organised, despite not having any childcare for two of the three. I agree about taking the time off beinf beneficial too. I am havinf a busy september and october catching up after not doing much all summer and by November I want to be on top of things and make sure I schedule in some time off Reply
I’d just like to blog more in general! I used to post a few times a week but then just felt like I wasn’t sure what to say any more. I straddle the line between lifestyle posts and personal ones but over the years have just lost it! Loved reading your goals and I wish I’d made more of my blog back when it was great! Reply
Sounds like you have some very sensible blogging goals Becky, I always try and take Christmas off and then inevitably I end up publishing a couple. I am really going to try this year though. I have found my blog life balance to be a lot better recently, although I am in a little bit of a rut as well. 😉 x Reply