Journal

My 5 New Year’s Resolutions for 2019

by Alexis Chateau

This was my first week of being self-employed full-time after giving up my weekend shift in the city. I’ve spent it focusing my attention on completing as much work as possible, so naturally, other important things have suffered in the process. One of them has been my sleep and the other has been the publishing of articles at the time I originally intended on my blog. However, better late than never they say, so here are my five resolutions for 2019.

1. Complete My Novel

Last Halloween I published my debut novel, The Moreau Witches. And, at the time of publishing, I was already working on next Halloween’s release: Alanis, Land of the Undead. This new book will be another historical fiction piece featuring characters of colour at the forefront. But this time, there are vampires.

I first started writing this story in 2005 for fun, but only began working on it with the intention of publishing early last year. I hope to finish the first draft of the novel by the end of January or February, so I can begin the beta review process. If you would like to be a beta reader for this book, do let me know. Serious inquiries only. I would rather not have a repeat of last time.

2. Grow Audience

I’ve been blogging for fun since my teenage years. However, I only ever started to take it seriously when I created this blog in the summer of 2015, after quitting my corporate job and going off on my big adventure.

Sure, I’ve had a few posts go viral within the Jamaican diaspora, and I’m well aware I get more traffic than most independent blogs online. But, it wasn’t until I published my novel that I saw how much my audience had grown and how much you all respected my words—enough to pay to read them!

This year, I want to spend more time growing that audience, not just in size, but strength. I want to get to know you guys better and to support your own writing ventures. More on the latter, later. Shadow and I are still in the planning phase.

3. Build My Business

Unfortunately, it will be some time until my blogs and books alone really pay the bills. So, while that is the ultimate goal, in the interim, my business not only pays the bills but funds my books. For this reason, building my business takes top priority in my life this year—even at the cost of travel!

I want to grow my business not only for myself, but for everyone else who works with Alexis Chateau PR. Thus, my focus this year will be on increasing revenue not only by bringing in more work for myself, but for the rest of the team.

4. Solo Trip

In 2017, I took a solo trip to New England in the fall and was wowed by its beauty. I was so impressed that I planned to return the following year. But, as many of you know, I ended up taking an impromptu trip to Jamaica, instead. Though I had an amazing time in Jamaica, and would not exchange that trip for anything else, I really want to ensure I take a solo trip this year.

Because travel is not a huge priority on my list for 2019, I’m not really sure where that solo trip will take me. I may go back to New England, or maybe some new destination will tempt me. I’m open to suggestions!

5. Be Challenged

When I lived in Jamaica, I felt frequently challenged. Naturally, Third World living presents its own challenges, but the people around me also challenged me to be better,  work smarter, and think harder. When I came to America, aside from my own personal challenges to start over in a whole new country with no job and no promise of a green card, I have mostly only seen complacency in others.

This year, I want to find and surround myself with more people who challenge not only me, but themselves. People who do not merely accept the hand life deals them. People who do not settle for complacent measures like, “At least I’m not as bad as them”. People who are masters of their own destiny—who are not jaded. People who strive to be better for not just themselves, but for others.

∇

What resolutions are you holding yourself accountable for this year? Share them with me in the comments, below!

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33 thoughts on “My 5 New Year’s Resolutions for 2019”

    1. I’m buying a mobile home if all goes well this year. Currently looking for property to set it on. More details on the why, later. 😆

      Reply

  4. Awesome! I’m loving this. Planning is everything. Wishing you the best success as you grow your business, audience, and have the ability to do that solo getaway! Cheers!

    Reply

    1. Happy to hear it, Kotrish! Here’s to hoping more and more people join us on this journey. I’ve just had enough of people’s negativity.

      Reply

    1. I think that’s the hardest thing on my list, based on my luck with people in America so far. Wishing us both extra luck with that one! 😂

      Reply

  8. Hi Alexis! I really hope that you’re able to accomplish these goals! When you’re ready for your novel to be reviewed, do let me know; if you’re looking for reviewers in the late winter or early spring I’ll be able to help. Summertime is less certain though.

    Reply

    1. Thank you! Did the book finally make it to Ohio?

      I think early spring will be the most likely of the 2 for the new book, maybe even before the winter is over. My aim is to have it done by the end of February at the latest. Wish me luck! 😊

      Reply

      1. Good luck with your novel, Alexis! Early spring should be a good time for me to review your book.

        Yes, the book arrived yesterday! I’m looking forward to reading it 🙂

  10. They are all very worthy resolutions and I wish you all the best and great success in achieving your goals, especially with your self-employed business and the publication of your novel. 👍

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Fatima! I need all the luck I can get. What are you working on this year?

      Reply

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