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.
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What resolutions are you holding yourself accountable for this year? Share them with me in the comments, below!
Wish you all the best! I share some of these goals too, especially #2! You’ve already done the first few steps: Choose, write it down, share with others to make them real 😉
I always write it down. I journal as well as blog. That really helps to hold me accountable. So far, I’m doing good on all 4. Number 5 is the hardest. Goals that involve other people are always the hardest!
How are you coming along with number 2 so far? So you don’t have to check the list again, that was growing your audience. 😊
Steadily 🙂 Seen noticeable growth + opportunities in these first few weeks. Definitely helping to keep me motivated.
That’s great! I’ve been working on rebranding and redesign for the company website to bring it back to life. I get most of my business through my personal blog, so I don’t pay it half as much attention as I should. Wishing us both luck!
Many thanks! -fingers and toes crossed-
Wow! That’s really exciting! It has truly changed our lives for the better. I hope it all goes well for you too. 👍👍👍
Thanks! I’m in the initial phase right now, so can’t say much, but I’m looking forward to unveiling my big plans in the near future. 😊