I’m contemplating goals and giveaways this month.
GOALS…
I always have big plans around this time of year to jump on board for Christmas in July. Not to the extent that we pull out our massive Christmas tree and all the decorations we’ve accumulated over the years. It’s more a case of finding out what venues are hosting Christmas in July functions and possibly throwing one or two of my own at home.
Each year, my plans fall by the way side. It’s something about the end of the financial year and the start of the new one. A time where I take stock financially which leads to taking stock in other areas as well, which tends to send my to-do list into overdrive.
My to-do list and goals at this time of year have a tendency to keep me suitably distracted. Christmas in July and most of what isn’t perceived as essential on the to-list just don’t factor in. In the end, I just don’t have the time or the inclination to find the time.
This year, I’m taking a different approach. More in keeping with how I mean to continue. Much like how I start the year with no resolutions or goals. It doesn’t mean my goals have gone completely, it just means I’ve put the brakes on and I’m having a break from busy. Giving me more time for myself and doing the things I actually love to do, like celebrating Christmas… in July and hosting giveaways!
In keeping with my working smarter not harder approach, I will be bringing on two co-hosts for this linkup from next month. I can’t wait to introduce you to them.
Aussie Giveaway Linkup instructions:
If you’re a blogger or business wanting to take part in the Aussie Giveaway Linkup:
- Only link directly to the giveaway post/s.
- Include the prize and end date in the linky tool below.
- Link each giveaway separately.
- Giveaways must be open to Australian residents and be run by Aussie-based bloggers or businesses.
- Grab the AGL button to add to your post or sidebar (optional but much appreciated).
- A new list is added on the 1st of the month so bloggers and business owners need to add their links monthly.
- Start entering the giveaways! Entry is at your own risk. We do not take responsibility for unfulfilled prizes or a blogger/business not abiding by their own terms and conditions.
- Leave a comment each time you link. It really is the quickest way to notify me of your giveaway, so I can start sharing the social media love your way.
AUSSIE GIVEAWAY LINKUP JULY
Are you a fan of Christmas in July?
A thoughtful read. Just as you say, lessons are being taught to us In life from the good to the not so good. When we reflect we can see what this means. You ARE your blog but it doesn’t have to be YOU!? Does that make sense? A business blog is not a personal blog.. So, is there a way to gently undo the two? I think your blog persona remains intact as you are reaching out to become the fit for the community you want to continue. It’s hard for me to see if what I wrote makes sense ! However, I do agree that taking time to consider the plans & not always doing what you always did is the way to both protect yourself health wise & family wise & then move towards what now makes the best sense for your renewed goals.
Thanks Denyse. Lots to ponder but looking forward to such much needed white space this coming month. Still lots to do but taking the pressure off in terms of deadlines and expectations will definitely help.
I guess it’s ultimately up to you but I don’t think sharing health issues is a negative or unprofessional. We’re all human and humans have health issues of varying degrees of worry.
I’ve actually been wondering if I shouldn’t just let the health issues that are constantly consuming me, form more of a basis for a new personal blog. There’s definitely an audience. I’m just not sure how that will reflect on the business I want to launch.
interesting post. I kinda of like your nichelessless but I’m excited to see what happens in the future 😀
I kind of like my nichelessness too. I suppose what I should be listing down is what I don’t like. Starting with the excessive amount of emails wanting me to place a link on the blog or PR firms (that get paid to find bloggers that will blog for free) wanting me to do infomercials for a $20 product.
I love how you write and what you write. It is always something to look forward to because it isn’t always the same every time. I also don’t think sharing your life experiences health wise is a bad or unprofessional thing, it gives everyone who doesn’t know about particular things an insight. You are educating by sharing your experiences. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Agent Mystery Case.
Thanks Kell. Appreciate that. I suppose in terms of blogging because I don’t fit the mold I’m often over looked. Sometimes that’s a good thing and other times I’m left scratching my head. There is a definite audience for the health side of things, just worry that that side of me should be kept under wraps.
I think your writing here probably helps to attract the right kind of clients for you. Would you really want a client who wasn’t willing to accept that you are human and so have human emotions and health issues? I know I wouldn’t.
The blog agency is going to be a different ball game. I think I might actually need to run it as an enterprise (which scares me) rather than a solo gig for it to be a real success.
Well when you get through the mirky bits, it sounds like things can only be on the up for you. Here’s hoping the tired parts move on swiftly for you.
Yes, I really hope so. I don’t like murky or being out of control. I suppose I’m at a bit of a crossroads for the time being, being pulled in a couple of different directions and not having the proper time to dedicate to all I want to do.
I think if you take your time and get it right, you’ll be happier with the end result. No need to push yourself into further ill health or stress! Your community understands.
Me too. Just hate it when plans, don’t exactly go to plan. Especially when it is not my doing.
Yep, I know how you feel. When you’re used to being organised and in control, it is so hard to deal when things go awry and there’s nothing you can do about it!
Wow, you have a lot going on, but it also sounds very exciting! Yes, mistakes are lessons – we all make them and we just have to learn from them, rather than making the over again… not speaking from experience or anything, ahem 🙂
I think I may be guilty of over complicating things. Something I tend to avoid. Much prefer a simple, more manageable approach. Something I really need to get back to.
I love your ‘work smarter not harder’ approach. The to-do list will never be clear so you need pick out the important things and focus on those. Good luck with your upcoming changes! (PS – I’ve never done a Christmas in July, but I do like the idea of a hearty feast when the weather is a bit cooler…)
I’m really looking forward to Christmas in July. The girls are on school holidays, I’m road testing not only my new Kambrook pressure multi cooker but a spice hamper, so there’s no excuse not to have some Christmas in July fun in the process. If only I could convince the family to dig out the massive tree and go all out.
Smarter is where I am at – but the harder seems to creep in all the time.
It does doesn’t it. I’m hoping once the business diploma studies are out of the way, I will have more white space for the fun stuff.
I love all the planning you do Raychael to achieve your goals, working smarter not harder, to counteract any potential setbacks in your path. That’s probably why you end up being so successful at all you set out to achieve!
Enjoy your upcoming white space!
Thanks Ingrid. Looking forward to the white space. Hopefully there will be enough of it. Can’t wait for the study to be done and dusted so it frees up even more time. Which reminds me, I need to touch base with you about something.
Don’t discount the fact that showing the real you, and the fact you are human and have a personality, is not always a bad thing when it comes to running a business. Just a thought…good luck with all your musings x
I think it’s time for less musings and more action. Just need the business diploma study done and dusted.
I think you need to take a year off to just relax and enjoy life! No income would be a bit of a problem though … x
Yes to the issue of income and honestly a year off would probably only make things work. I just don’t work like that. Time is of the essence also springs to mind.
You definitely deserve some R&R. i admire how hardworking you are though!
Di from Max The Unicorn
Thanks Dianne. Definitely have lots of R&R scheduled for the next month.
Thanks to everyone that took the time to comment. I’ve edited the post to remove some of the more personal aspects. It’s how I mean to continue here on the blog, even though it is a personal blog. No over sharing and posting so much of the personal in the first place from here in on.
Hope things are coming together for you since I was last here? X
Yes, I found some much needed clarity over the weekend. I’m still at a bit of a crossroads professionally speaking but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Just need to clone myself or find a stunt double. Reality has me saying ‘no’ more often than I would like.
Have been thinking about you. Hoping everything is going well!
Everything is going well. My days are spent mostly driving though, which is tiring and boring!
Thanks for hosting Raych! Off to enter some comps 🙂
Thanks for hosting the link up! A break from being busy sounds amazing!!