Olá!!!
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote my review of 2020, and if you have been following me for a while, you will know that I always take a couple of weeks of the new year before I share my goals.
And that is because I like to set goals that are realistic and not resolutions. In order to do so, I need a few days to really think and organize my ideas into something that I am able to work with. Otherwise, it will make me anxious and frustrated. Nobody wants that, am I right?
So, in today’s post, I am sharing my goals for 2021. Let’s go!
Blog
Post frequency
I want to be realistic and set up a posting schedule that I commit to and that allows me to write content with quality, that is meaningful, and that it adds value to those who read this website. Given the fact that besides this blog, I have a full-time job, a family, and my own business, it is quite challenging to be able to do it all.
So, in order to do that, planning is key!
After much consideration, I will be keeping the bi-weekly posting schedule. Posts will go live on Thursdays at 8 AM CET, as usual.
In terms of content, I would like to publish at least one travel-related article per month. Sounds good?
Guest posts
Something I started in 2020 and would love to continue is the “meet the blogger” series.
It’s a great opportunity to share the floor with fellow travel bloggers who you may not know just yet. And I get to “talk” and know all these lovely people who share the same passion for traveling.
And you, as a reader, get extra sources of inspiration and tips for when you need to prepare for a future trip.
Revive 3Places Series
It’s been a long while since I wrote an article for the “3 Places Series” and this is something I would like to get back to. Short and to the point, these articles are to bookmark and revisit when you are looking for places to visit.
I like the concept and have been told that it’s useful! win-win, right?
New series
For the last couple of months, I have been working on a new article concept, this time, not travel related. At this moment, I’m working on the final details of the whole concept, and whenever it’s all set, I’ll share it with you.
Photography
Going out for photo-walks is one of the things I enjoy the most, and 2020 took that away from me, for obvious reasons. But, I’m hoping that in the new year that will slowly change and it’s safe to go out, visit new towns even if in the Netherlands, and take as many photos as possible.
There is one Dutch city I’m particularly curious about, Haarlem!
I have been there very briefly a couple of years ago, and at that time, I was going for a photo walk but it rained the whole time. haha
Gear
In terms of gear, I’m quite happy with what I have now, but, I am saving for a new lens – a Zeiss lens 85mm equivalent. This is a focal length I would love to explore in the future, and I’ve read many great thing things about Zeiss lenses, especially their sharpness. I blame it on Professor Hines!
Improve skills
As I mentioned in my 2020 review article, I like to learn new things. With that in mind, it’s in my 2021 goals to improve my photography skills, learning even more about my camera, how I can take better photos with the gear I have, and also, learn more about editing.
Editing to me means to bring the best features of the photos more to the foreground, and not manipulate by adding nonexisting elements to the photo.
Social Media
Social media is that thing that you really need if you want to reach more people and grow your audience. And I want that! It’s nice to share my experiences with others, so I need to use social media in order to reach as many people as possible. However, I want to do it my way.
You won’t see me in bikini photos, or any of the “Instagram poses”. That’s not me.
Also, I want to reach really people, people who are willing to engage, no fake accounts, or just “follow for following” kind of strategy.
I have a tough relationship with Instagram…I recognize its importance, but I’m not a fan of how everything works and how hard Instagram makes it for people who want to share content… Truth is: you want to reach people, you have to pay!
Right now, I have a community of about 1260 people (give or take) and to be honest, it’s a lovely community. It’s real people, who interact, comment, like, write DMs. The kind of community I would like to extend. With that in mind, I’d like to reach 1500 people by the end of the first quarter of 2021, and 2000 by the end of the year!
It may not sound hard for you, but trust me, it is. Especially, to do it the way that I want to do it.
Also on Instagram, I would like to try something completely out of my comfort zone: IG lives!
That’s right, I’m working on a concept for these lives but it should be something close to a friendly chat with someone who shares something in common with me. From travels, photography, or even the fact of being an ex-pat.
Once this concept is ready to start, I’ll make sure to announce it!
What do you think? Does it sound interesting? Let me know!
This is the best tool to drive traffic to a blog, along with search engines, of course. Before the pandemic, I was doing really well, and my Pinterest strategy was finally paying off. However, I haven’t done much about it during the last months.
So, Pinterest is something I want to invest time into so that when things improve, I start seeing results.
Personal
Ahhh the most difficult part… haha Okay, let’s address the elephants in the room; yes, there are two! haha
- Go back to working out!
I hardly worked out in 2020 and became very lazy at doing any sort of exercise. I really need to change that!
- Read more!
You may know it by now, but I love reading, and even shared my passion for books here on the blog a few times, but it’s something I haven’t been doing as much as I’d like to.
My goal is to read at least 40-50 pages of a book per day! Go big or go home, am I right!? haha
And I would like to grow my Web Design business!!
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And these are my goals for 2021!
I like to write this kind of post and get back to it in those moments when I feel lost and without knowing what to do.
Setting goals is a great way to improve and challenge yourself to achieve things you may think are impossible. It should never be a source of anxiety.
That is why it’s so important to be realistic when setting goals.
What are your goals for 2021?
See you in the next post!
