I have this thing about goal-setting. Since I’m aware that life happens and people happen and well, things just happen, I like to set goals, but I like to allow for flexibility when the unexpectedly awesome decides to jump in the middle of your plans. Or the unexpectedly-not-so-awesome, but we’re not focusing on that. I tend to set short term “goals” and long-term “ideas.”
Goal: In January 2010, I WILL sell my car, pack my stuff, and move out of Minnesota. That’s a short-term goal that I intend to nail.
Idea: Live in Chicago, the pacific Northwest, the East Coast, and another country one day. This is more of a long-term idea of mine that I’d like to plan for someday, but that someday is not in the next six months, and is not where my attention and efforts are right now.
Enough of the disclaimers and explanations
It’s with that caveat that I set a few 2010 Blogging Goals. I’ve been asked a bit lately about the history of my blog, the goals of my blog, and my motivation to keep blogging. I’ve met and run across some wildly amazing other bloggers in the last year, people I’ve learned from and been inspired by, and this was a fun question to chew on. The easy answer is, “I don’t know, it just started. And now I just write. And motivation? Um, because I love it and because I want to?”
But there’s more to it than that, and I’ll share more of that with you in the next few weeks. (Actually, Srini Rao from TheSkoolofLife.com will share some of that because he recently interviewed me about it asking me all those questions, and more! That was fun. Look forward to that, I am!)
A Growing Community
A number of people have pointed out to me recently the community that’s being built here, and that is one thing that keeps me motivated and that is what I have come to love the most about what I’m doing here. I love the story-telling and I love the space I get to hone my writing, but it’s the relationships that are growing out of this that I couldn’t have predicted that I absolutely adore. Someone noted that I get “a lot” of comments, but I had to caveat that by pointing out that a lot of them are often my own responses, because my readers leave some really great, insightful, and perspective-checking feedback that I love to interact with.
So, first of all – for 2009, thank you to everyone that’s been here all year and to everyone that just started stopping by. I’d be writing for the sake of writing even without an audience because I absolutely love it, but you folks sure do make it so much more fun. I have learned SO much from various readers this year, and I’ve formed some really meaningful and significant friendships with a lot of you as well – for that, I am so very blessed.
I feel like 2009 was the year I figured out what I wanted out of life – or at least out of the next few years. I believe 2010 will show me (and in turn, you) what I’m made of. I can’t wait to chronicle and share that.
All that being said, I have a few goals in terms of blogging for 2010. I’d love your feedback if there’s anything new you’d like to see me try, any parts of my life I’ve left dark that you’d like me to share here, or just in general any questions or comments you have about this space, where it’s come from and where it’s headed. I’d love to incorporate your ideas into my next year!
[Some] Blogging Goals for 2010
- Take (and post) more video! I just started learning iMovie and I’m totally addicted to the ability to cut and splice and set a soundtrack to these moments in my life. I have not forgotten your video blogging suggestions and will start shooting, editing, and posting as many of those as I can in the new year!
- Introduce more of the characters in my life. New and old. Long-time Minnesota friends, new Colorado friends, Alabama family, blog friends from around the world. There are amazing people that make my life as rich as it is, and it’s time to introduce them.
- Share the scary stuff. This is a tough one. I like the sunshine-y upbeat place my blog typically is (and I’m a pretty upbeat person), but the truth is, sometimes stuff is hard. Like, right now, I’m in a limbo-like transitional phase that’s amazing and freeing, but simultaneously scary and totally unknown. I don’t regret the leap of faith I took leaving my 9-5 job to pursue my own passions, but right now? I’m still in the leaping part, really ready to just land already. This is a very real part of my life right now. I intend to not glaze over it, but to share it, and honestly.
- Try new things. Like, new web tools. New ways to share audio, video, and pictures. New plug-ins. New… I-don’t-even-know-whats. Just new ways of utilizing blogs and social media, and you know this blog will be the playground for all of it
Anything in particular you’d like to see? The move out West? New Year’s Eve in Alabama with the boy (eeep!), the cousin, the cousin-in-law, and the might-as-well-be-a-cousin (who will finally have her very own blog by the time I leave Alabama!)? Should I write about something I haven’t touched on yet?
What are your blogging goals for the New Year?
{ 95 comments… read them below or add one }
My biggest blogging goal is to comment more on all the really fabulous blogs that i read. I know i read them but without comments *they* might not know i read them. so here i am and I'm already getting towards my goal!
Like you, my blogging goal is do more videos! I have yet to do one. And keep up with the blogs that I've found and love.
i think i've told you a million times how much you've inspired me in the past year — the leaps you've taken, the changes you've made, the faith you've had in yourself. i want my 2010 to look like your 2009!
Great goals! I'm so excited for you! I think your 2010 is going to be spectacular! My blogging goals? Well, let's just say I could stand to comment more and I could also stand to spend some more time on my blog as it often gets pushed to the back burner of life but it's really just something for fun. I should try to incorporate more of my life into it. I just glaze the top of it really. Ahhh… now you've got me doing too much thinking before I've had my morning caffeine!
Well, thanks so much for saying hello! I'm glad you're enjoying what you're reading here and hope you keep coming back! What other blogs do you read and enjoy? I'm always looking for new and good ones too!
Well, I have added you to my Reader so I'll be stalking to see when you do this
Just kidding, but I AM excited to check you out!
My biggest blogging goal is to comment more on all the really fabulous blogs that i read. I know i read them but without comments *they* might not know i read them. so here i am and I'm already getting towards my goal!
My goal is to actually *purchase* a webcam and maybe post ONE video!!I'm really excited to see everything 2010 brings your way
Excellent! I'm excited to see all the schtuffs here at the d dot com
Do it! I've learned that the best way to make things happen is to remember that we're a product of our choices. Choose greatness and keep moving forward! (These are my mottos lately)
I think '10 is going to be wild, for a lot of us! I can't wait to see what's in store for you
I don't think you can add the Tweet This button/plug-in until you do the .org instead of the .com. Also? If I COULD burp, I'd be all over that. Thanks for rubbing it in that I can't.
Thank you! And I look forward to checking out your goals
You're teh awesome too!
Fun! I'm so excited for my Flip to arrive so you and I can engage in video challenges and generally gross out everyone with an online, year long love fest.That's my plan at least! lolOne of my blogging goals is also to find a way to share music where I'm not 99% sure I'm going to get sued for it in the future. Lofty, I know.
Doniree,Thanks for the shout out. I'm glad to hear you're going to be incorporating more video and was stoked to here that you liked my Best Week ever idea. I guess it's going to be like Best week ever meets SNL + the blogosphere. I think we're all going to have an amazing 2010.
My blogging goal is to write with purpose. Take time to write every week, not just write to have something to post. Happy 2010!
I read a fair few 'brit' bloggers being from the UK as well as people like Jenn @ Free and Flawed and Rebekah @ Swinging from the Chandelier. I have just updated my blogroll for the new year (OPML to HTML Parser is genius took me about 2 minutes) so everything i read is on there now
Blogging goals get their own post sometime soon – so I won't clutter up your comment section with them! Just wanted to wish you a happy happy new year and tell you that you're teh awesome.
)
My goal is to actually *purchase* a webcam and maybe post ONE video!!I'm really excited to see everything 2010 brings your way
i think i've told you a million times how much you've inspired me in the past year — the leaps you've taken, the changes you've made, the faith you've had in yourself. i want my 2010 to look like your 2009!
Excellent! I'm excited to see all the schtuffs here at the d dot com
I think '10 is going to be wild, for a lot of us! I can't wait to see what's in store for you
I don't think you can add the Tweet This button/plug-in until you do the .org instead of the .com. Also? If I COULD burp, I'd be all over that. Thanks for rubbing it in that I can't.
Thank you! And I look forward to checking out your goals
You're teh awesome too!
Great goals! I'm so excited for you! I think your 2010 is going to be spectacular! My blogging goals? Well, let's just say I could stand to comment more and I could also stand to spend some more time on my blog as it often gets pushed to the back burner of life but it's really just something for fun. I should try to incorporate more of my life into it. I just glaze the top of it really. Ahhh… now you've got me doing too much thinking before I've had my morning caffeine!
Fun! I'm so excited for my Flip to arrive so you and I can engage in video challenges and generally gross out everyone with an online, year long love fest.That's my plan at least! lolOne of my blogging goals is also to find a way to share music where I'm not 99% sure I'm going to get sued for it in the future. Lofty, I know.
Oh! Blogging goal? sounds good to me! I haven't been blogging for a while.. so I lost a lot by doing so! lost connections with my super cool blogging friends! I got no blogging goal yet, but my biggest achievement would be if I blog regularly! really nothing is going my way!Happy new year 2010
My blogging goal is to write with purpose. Take time to write every week, not just write to have something to post. Happy 2010!
I read a fair few 'brit' bloggers being from the UK as well as people like Jenn @ Free and Flawed and Rebekah @ Swinging from the Chandelier. I have just updated my blogroll for the new year (OPML to HTML Parser is genius took me about 2 minutes) so everything i read is on there now
Well, thanks so much for saying hello! I'm glad you're enjoying what you're reading here and hope you keep coming back! What other blogs do you read and enjoy? I'm always looking for new and good ones too!
Well, I have added you to my Reader so I'll be stalking to see when you do this
Just kidding, but I AM excited to check you out!
Do it! I've learned that the best way to make things happen is to remember that we're a product of our choices. Choose greatness and keep moving forward! (These are my mottos lately)
You have inspired me for my first blog post on my new site! I will answer in short but more detailed soon! I want to explore more aspects of erotica writing on my blog. This is an avenue I only dabbled with but never consistently. I want to make that one of my main focuses of my new blog. Basically, refocus my blog and hopefully gather more interest with a new, refined direction. It won't be JUST erotica! It will be travel writing, culture, posting more pictures (also non-consistent on my old blog). I want to grow a sense of community too. I actually want to eventually grow it into a business venture, or at least supplement a business venture through my blog! Not sure which.. Scary stuff!
Share the scary stuff! Seriously, it was the best choice I ever made for my blogging and for myself. If I can do it, you can do it!
Blogging goals get their own post sometime soon – so I won't clutter up your comment section with them! Just wanted to wish you a happy happy new year and tell you that you're teh awesome.
)
Doniree,
Thanks for the shout out. I'm glad to hear you're going to be incorporating more video and was stoked to here that you liked my Best Week ever idea. I guess it's going to be like Best week ever meets SNL + the blogosphere. I think we're all going to have an amazing 2010.
You have inspired me for my first blog post on my new site! I will answer in short but more detailed soon! I want to explore more aspects of erotica writing on my blog. This is an avenue I only dabbled with but never consistently. I want to make that one of my main focuses of my new blog. Basically, refocus my blog and hopefully gather more interest with a new, refined direction. It won't be JUST erotica! It will be travel writing, culture, posting more pictures (also non-consistent on my old blog). I want to grow a sense of community too. I actually want to eventually grow it into a business venture, or at least supplement a business venture through my blog! Not sure which.. Scary stuff!
sorry for my multiple comment! i'm a new reader but i feel like i relate well to you and just LOVE having someone i can come check in on and feel inspired.
i do feel like we're in similar stages in life.. left my 9 to 5 as well and still in the leaping stage myself! it's a big ass leap. and it's scary. and i'm glad i found your blog and community! hope to learn and share with you. yay! and did you check your twitter direct messages because i sent you something?
Share the scary stuff! Seriously, it was the best choice I ever made for my blogging and for myself. If I can do it, you can do it!
sorry for my multiple comment! i'm a new reader but i feel like i relate well to you and just LOVE having someone i can come check in on and feel inspired.
i do feel like we're in similar stages in life.. left my 9 to 5 as well and still in the leaping stage myself! it's a big ass leap. and it's scary. and i'm glad i found your blog and community! hope to learn and share with you. yay! and did you check your twitter direct messages because i sent you something?
All great goals Doni and I'm looking forward to seeing so many great things from you this year (yes, now I can actually say THIS year). The biggest thing to always work on is trying new things – challenging yourself to write about new topics in different formats targeting new readers. Cheers to you and to us hopefully catching up in the new future over coffee again!
I am so excited to read about your upcoming new adventures!
All great goals Doni and I'm looking forward to seeing so many great things from you this year (yes, now I can actually say THIS year). The biggest thing to always work on is trying new things – challenging yourself to write about new topics in different formats targeting new readers. Cheers to you and to us hopefully catching up in the new future over coffee again!
Getting out of Massachusetts was my goal for 2009 and I did it
You'll be able to move out of Minnesota!I don't have very concrete blogging goals for 2010, mainly to read and comment more blogs that I read. I want to blog about more specifics in my life and chronicle my life in a new home. 
PS. 1st time visiting, and I love your writing style, I'll definitely be back 
Getting out of Massachusetts was my goal for 2009 and I did it
You'll be able to move out of Minnesota!I don't have very concrete blogging goals for 2010, mainly to read and comment more blogs that I read. I want to blog about more specifics in my life and chronicle my life in a new home. 
PS. 1st time visiting, and I love your writing style, I'll definitely be back 
Great goals. I'm all about goal setting rather than resolutions as well. I think I want to self-host this year!
I am so excited to read about your upcoming new adventures!
Great goals. I'm all about goal setting rather than resolutions as well. I think I want to self-host this year!
We have the same idea towards new years goals… love it! And I love your goals and ideas… I hope they all work out for you!My blog goals… hmmm, to make more blog friends (and blog comments are always icing on the cake).Just subscribed to you (I keep hearing your name from every blog I follow, lol), looking forward to seeing how your year goes!
We have the same idea towards new years goals… love it! And I love your goals and ideas… I hope they all work out for you!My blog goals… hmmm, to make more blog friends (and blog comments are always icing on the cake).Just subscribed to you (I keep hearing your name from every blog I follow, lol), looking forward to seeing how your year goes!
AND with a video we could skype-date or something and actually chat!
whysanksya darlin!
Video challenges? YOU'RE ON.
Absolutely! I'm excited to see what you come up with in these upcoming months as well, and I'd LOVE to talk about the BWE/SNL idea. I think that'd be a riot!
I think that's one of the biggest things that changed my writing style and helped nail down my most genuine voice – not writing for the sake of writing but writing when I had something to say, and then taking the time to write it well. Good luck – it's a great experience of a goal!
That is AWESOME and I believe would be challenging – I can't wait to keep up with you and to work together on all of the things we seem to be co-conspiring on already!
I will! I promise, and thank you for your vote of confidence!
I think we are in VERY similar places right now
I'm also wanting to challenge myself to write new topics, and I think this year and all of the new experiences I'm anticipating will provide just that opportunity.
Thanks! I'm excited to get on 'em!
Thanks for the sweet words, and thanks for coming by the site!
You can do it! It allows for so much more flexibility and customization. And it's just fun
Hello and thanks for coming by
I just added you on 20sb (thanks for the request!) and I look forward to checking you out and getting to know you as well! I love finding people who are on similar paths and of similar ideas.
Damn it. Now I just added "create blog goals" to my nine thousand page to do list, haha.
Video challenges? YOU'RE ON.
Absolutely! I'm excited to see what you come up with in these upcoming months as well, and I'd LOVE to talk about the BWE/SNL idea. I think that'd be a riot!
I think that's one of the biggest things that changed my writing style and helped nail down my most genuine voice – not writing for the sake of writing but writing when I had something to say, and then taking the time to write it well. Good luck – it's a great experience of a goal!
That is AWESOME and I believe would be challenging – I can't wait to keep up with you and to work together on all of the things we seem to be co-conspiring on already!
I'm also wanting to challenge myself to write new topics, and I think this year and all of the new experiences I'm anticipating will provide just that opportunity.
Thanks! I'm excited to get on 'em!
You can do it! It allows for so much more flexibility and customization. And it's just fun
Doni- are you really moving to Chicago in January?! You are my blogger hero- so be proud of how far you have come. Happy New Year- this year my blogging goal is to write a blog about a Doniree/Megan reunion and have it actually be true.
AND with a video we could skype-date or something and actually chat!
whysanksya darlin!
I will! I promise, and thank you for your vote of confidence!
I think we are in VERY similar places right now
Thanks for the sweet words, and thanks for coming by the site!
Hello and thanks for coming by
I just added you on 20sb (thanks for the request!) and I look forward to checking you out and getting to know you as well! I love finding people who are on similar paths and of similar ideas.
Damn it. Now I just added “create blog goals” to my nine thousand page to do list, haha.
Doni- are you really moving to Chicago in January?! You are my blogger hero- so be proud of how far you have come. Happy New Year- this year my blogging goal is to write a blog about a Doniree/Megan reunion and have it actually be true.
My goal is to read more blogs and leave more thoughtful comments. I love to read blogs, but I find it so hard to keep up. I aspire to me a better blog friend. I also want to meet more bloggers! Good luck with your goals!
My goal is to read more blogs and leave more thoughtful comments. I love to read blogs, but I find it so hard to keep up. I aspire to me a better blog friend. I also want to meet more bloggers! Good luck with your goals!
happy new year doni!! you always inspire me to try to think outside of the box. as far as my blogging goals: I'd like to get a webcam so I can do more video blogging and skype with my fave bloggers. I also want to comment more on the blogs that I just "lurk" around on and try to email a response (if necessary) to the commentors on my blog.Lastly, save up so I can go to Bloggers in Sin City!! (although I did look at airfare costs today and I shed a silent tear because I should've started saving up 2 years ago).
My goals for my blog: More diverse content. Video, pictures, etc. And actual "take-away" content instead of me just blabbing about what I do all day that might not actually be of VALUE to anyone. And also, commenting. Which I suck at. Comment comment comment. I'm also planning on talking about my past a bit, maybe bring out some experiences and stories that happened even while I was blogging but were just too fresh in my mind to blog about when they happened. Especially re: college. Scary times, man…
happy new year doni!! you always inspire me to try to think outside of the box. as far as my blogging goals: I'd like to get a webcam so I can do more video blogging and skype with my fave bloggers. I also want to comment more on the blogs that I just "lurk" around on and try to email a response (if necessary) to the commentors on my blog.Lastly, save up so I can go to Bloggers in Sin City!! (although I did look at airfare costs today and I shed a silent tear because I should've started saving up 2 years ago).
happy new year doni!! you always inspire me to try to think outside of the box. as far as my blogging goals: I'd like to get a webcam so I can do more video blogging and skype with my fave bloggers. I also want to comment more on the blogs that I just "lurk" around on and try to email a response (if necessary) to the commentors on my blog.Lastly, save up so I can go to Bloggers in Sin City!! (although I did look at airfare costs today and I shed a silent tear because I should've started saving up 2 years ago).
My goals for my blog: More diverse content. Video, pictures, etc. And actual “take-away” content instead of me just blabbing about what I do all day that might not actually be of VALUE to anyone. And also, commenting. Which I suck at. Comment comment comment. I'm also planning on talking about my past a bit, maybe bring out some experiences and stories that happened even while I was blogging but were just too fresh in my mind to blog about when they happened. Especially re: college. Scary times, man…
Radness. Blogging is what I'd consider a "lifestyle choice" and it's important to know the why's and how's of all of that. And if anyone can come to a good, solid, reason for being a blogger, it's you, so we'll be looking out for that epiphany (and we'll probably adopt it ourselves).
Loving me some #3. It IS hard, but trust me… the response you'll get from the community you have hear will make it so, so worth it.
Loving me some #3. It IS hard, but trust me… the response you'll get from the community you have hear will make it so, so worth it.
sounds like some great blogging goals to me and can't wait to read on, obviously.
Blogging goals? Build up my readership and continue to maintain friendships with the fabulous women and men I've met through this venue. As for what I'd like to read!? Anything really. The move. What it's like to find your slice of happy in the world. The boy. The happy and "scary," as you put it. Whatever you want to share is always fun to read!
sounds like some great blogging goals to me and can't wait to read on, obviously.
Radness. Blogging is what I'd consider a “lifestyle choice” and it's important to know the why's and how's of all of that. And if anyone can come to a good, solid, reason for being a blogger, it's you, so we'll be looking out for that epiphany (and we'll probably adopt it ourselves).
Blogging goals? Build up my readership and continue to maintain friendships with the fabulous women and men I've met through this venue. As for what I'd like to read!? Anything really. The move. What it's like to find your slice of happy in the world. The boy. The happy and "scary," as you put it. Whatever you want to share is always fun to read!
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