Compass & Quill

Weirdly enough, I’ve been thinking it was time to write an update on my 2013 resolutions. Imagine my surprise when yesterday’s Daily Post prompt was to discuss the state of my year thus far. Here’s what I said I’d be doing, and what I’m thinking about what I’ve accomplished thus far…

I said that I’d –

1) Grow my personal freelance business. In January, I said, “I want to have a website, pricing structure, service list, and detailed portfolio put together by the end of February 2013…It would be great to be making at least $45k by the end of the year.” I’m not that far along with everything. I have business cards, an OK logo, a site I’m not really maintaining (and not happy with, which is probably why I’m not maintaining it), and other than that, not much else – other than clients. How I’ve gotten clients isn’t a mystery, but is odd. What’s odder is that now that I have them, I’m not really happy about it. I don’t know if I have what it takes to be a freelancer, at least not now, when everyone’s trying to get you to work for free. If I had to depend on my freelance clients, I’d starve to death, no bones about it. Not to mention that I really feel like I should be working to help the world, and it feels like going into non-profit is the better path…

2) Expand my marketing prowess. I said that I’d like to, “Become a member of the AMA. Sign up for a social media scheduling and analytics program like Sprout or something similar…Blog about marketing daily.” I’m using Sprout Social, contributed to an award-winning project, attended a marketing conference, and have been reading up on marketing & advertising much more than ever before. I feel like I could still be doing more, but that’s probably a common feeling in this business.

3) Declare a new personal style. According to January-me, “It’s time for my clothes to reflect my place in the world. Stat.” My hair is awesome, but I’m still nowhere near where I’d like to be, style-wise. A lot of that has to do with #4, and also with #8. I’ll get there; it’s just not happening as quickly as I’d like.

4) Start seeing a personal trainer! I’m back with my personal trainer, and going to the gym daily. Now all I’ve got to do is keep it up. And stop eating donuts – I just ate two today. Evil coworkers.

5) Join a marching krewe/dance team. No luck yet, and now I don’t know if it’s even worth my time, really.

6) Read more. I’ve read a lot more this year than I did last year, but I could use a stricter reading schedule.

7) Write more. I’m happy with where I’m at with this one. You guys see me here almost every day, and sometimes multiple times a day. It would be good if I could get my schedule worked out so I could do more creative writing on a regular basis, but lately I’ve been feeling very good about following my gut and telling the truth about my life here on the blog. It feels good to use this blog as a place to explore my world and my inner workings – and most of all, to connect with YOU.

8) Pay off my credit cards. One card to go – woohoo!!! I’m really excited about this one. Once I’m done paying off the last card, there are so many great changes I’ll finally be able to make. Hoping it will be doable by the end of the year, if not before.

9) Stop letting my relationships define who I am and how I act. I said it before and it still holds true – for the most part I’m feeling good about my dating relationship. We’ve had hard days and great days, and lately it’s been pretty nice. However, obviously my work relationships – particularly with one client I’d love to lose – could use a lot of work, as they’re definitely creating havoc in my emotional sphere.

10) Travel more! Buy a car! Run longer distances! Downsize my physical possessions! Excel at speaking to people about my professional capabilities! Learn to do something new! Make things! Take my cats to get their teeth cleaned! Go back to Pagan school and learn more!

In the last few months I’ve been to NYC, Savannah, Charleston, Austin & the beach – so I guess I’m doing pretty well. Not yet, but that will be one big change for next year! I’ve actually started running shorter distances, and am happy with it. I’ve been donating/throwing out stuff for months, but am ready to do another big purge. Still not doing so great, though I did give a social media marketing presentation last month! I’m getting ready to learn how to move this site over to WordPress.org soon – eek. Do cocktails count? Done! Joined, but still haven’t done my reading – oh well.