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.

Christmas dining room mantle in pink and gold

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 – I’m sending huge holiday hugs and kisses.

Happy Christmas from Swoon Worthy

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, I’m off until early January! See you all on the flipside! xxx


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