This headline is one of my mantras for 2011.
‘Be your own guru,’ is another.
A reminder to listen to myself first before turning to others, automatically thinking they know better.
My final one is ‘Doing nothing is better than doing something unimportant.’
I read that over the holiday and like it because I am a master at whiling away hours on ‘stuff.’ I am constantly busy and in danger at times of missing the passing by of my own life…
But it is the first one that has really got me thinking.
‘What am I avoiding or procrastinating over? Where am I underachieving?’
When I brainstormed the answers to that question I came up with:
- Monetizing my blog
- Monetizing my blog
And
-
Monetizing my blog
Hmmm…
I make a small income from my blog right now but there is plenty of opportunity in 2011 to grow that.
So I had a little think and these are the actions items I plan to execute over the coming months.
Expect to see a few changes but they will be additional to the blog as it is now. The essential elements, writing and focus will not change.
I have already stuck my toe in the water with most of the following but plan to get braver and put my whole foot in. You never know, I might end up fully submerged and swimming like a fish 
2011 Plans To Monetize My Blog
- Publish posts as I do now but twice a week, probably on a Tuesday and Thursday.
- Write some quick and easy guides for moms, or anyone really, on health, self care, our kids, our time and technology.
- Run some ads and affiliate promotions. I’ll feature products and services I personally use, like and can recommend wholeheartedly.
- Maintain and expand The Secret Life Of A Warrior Woman Facebook page. I also have been wanting to start another called The Mothers Of Boy Twins (The MOBT – geddit?) for a while now so plan to get to that.
- Shoot more videos and build my skills in that regard.
- Build my blogging skills by completing Problogger’s 31 Days To Build A Better Blog which I started in September.
- Write guest posts on other blogs.
- Set up a store selling…? Hmmm, I have a few ideas
I learned last year about prioritizing and establishing a filter question through which to pass all activities. My filter question to ensure I spend time on achieving my goals is:
‘Is this activity going to earn income from my blog?’
Even as I write that, I feel a little stab of fear and I know hitting ‘Publish’ on this post and putting these intentions out there in the world will be even harder.
But, I am intrepid, and like all moms out there, I am bringing up humanity while going undercover so really, in the face of that, my fears should be unfounded, right?
Right? 
So what would you do if you couldn’t fail? What are you procrastinating over? What can you execute in 2011 to improve your lot in life? Let me know in the comments!
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{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Interesting concept, Alison. I have never thought of it before. On reading your post, I reflected that basically I am fearless. I’m not afraid to make mistakes and I make them regularly. I think that is how I learn and grow. Years ago a friend who is an excellent photographer, semi-pro, told me that the best photographers shoot many,many pictures. Not all are great but out of that large number there are exceptional ones. Also, the more they shoot, the better their pics get on average. I’ve always extended that go other areas of my life as well. doing nothing is not an option for me. I jump in and do something and then refine it over time. And it might grow into something important, maybe not. Still I must do, create, try things.
To be without fear, Jennifer, must be awesome. I envy your confidence!
The first step is just putting it out there, so I know this post alone was a courageous thing to do Alison! Good luck with your 2011 efforts, and I’m looking forward to watching what you’ll accomplish this year (and I’m happy to help where I can along the way!).
Thanks, Christy. You are right about just putting it out there. As soon as I did my commitment went up. So crossed fingers, it will happen.
Twitter: cathypresland
January 7, 2011 at 3:06 am
I don’t know about not failure but I did ask myself recently “what would I do if I could do anything in the world?” The answer came rather bizarrely when I skyped into a call over the holidays and rather than showing me as no number skype randomly allocated me a number in San Diego – wonder if the universe is trying to tell me something ?? surfing here I come LOL!!
Cathy
Cathy Presland recently posted..Women In Internet Marketing- My Top Ten Of 2010
Tsk, tsk, Cathy. I already told you surfing is poor ROI!
Twitter: glynisj
January 7, 2011 at 2:25 pm
Keep us posted on how this goes. That was my primary reason for starting my blog but now that it’s a new year, I’ve decided to take a less straight-on a approach and enjoy it a little more.
Glynis, one of the things I am very aware of is not to put myself in a position where it become tedious or a burden. Any monetization has to meet that criteria because otherwise, whats the point? I’ll keep you informed.
Twitter: iamgreenbean
January 7, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Funny, I had (have? cannot remember if I still have it) a metal paperweight with your title axion inscribed on it. That was my slogan for a year.
And then I had kids. . .
Perhaps I should revisit it as well.
Green Bean recently posted..Meet Emerald Apron
Yes, please do revisit it and let me know what the answer is. I think it’s a profound question. Very telling. The kids will soon be old enough to allow you to do some exploring.
Twitter: galitbreen
January 7, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Couldn’t love this more, Alison! I tweeted it but am so NOT letting my husband read it for FEAR that he’ll push *me* to stop procrastinating! LOL Way to go, Mama! I’m proud of yoU! XO
Galit Breen recently posted..Minnesota Mamaleh- About the Homeless and Frozen Peas
Hi Galit: (smooch)
Like my reply to Green Bean, I think it’s hard to feel the fear and do it anyway when the kids are little – there’s so much to do, to care for, to look out for. We are already on sensory overload. But in time we get a bit of breathing room, some time to decompress and then….it’s time. Give yourself that!
Twitter: maryeulrich
January 8, 2011 at 6:13 am
Here’s hoping you swim like that fish. I think it takes real guts to jump into the monitization stream. Best wishes Alison.
Mary E. ULrich recently posted..The Race Toward Inclusion Do you see it
Thanks Mary. I feel like a minnow at the moment, just wiggling in the corner out of sight, plucking up some courage
Great post! You’re brave for hitting ‘Publish’ and I commend you. I’m sure you will accomplish all these things… and it’s an important reminder to us all. Just go for it!!!!
Cara
http://primroseandpaleo.wordpress.com
Cara recently posted..Candied Ginger Coconut Macaroons
Thanks, Cara. I enjoyed reading your blog on Paleo.
Twitter: thejackb
January 8, 2011 at 5:47 pm
I keep sharing this quote lately, but it is because it resonates with me and I think it is applicable.
“Be not the slave of your own past. Plunge into the sublime seas, dive deep and swim far, so you shall come back with self-respect, with new power, with an advanced experience that shall explain and overlook the old.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Jack recently posted..Friday Morning Music- What We Read-Listened To
Grrrreat quote, Jack. I’ve added it to my quotation plugin (in the sidebar.) Thanks.
Twitter: thejackb
January 13, 2011 at 8:28 am
Glad that you like it. It is one that I look at frequently because it speaks to me.
Jack recently posted..Friday Morning Music- What We Read-Listened To
This quote thing has been very interesting to me, Jack. I’ve never done it before – kept passing an inspirational quote that really speaks to me across my mind – but it really does work. I think the key, as you put it, is finding one that really resonates with you and ‘What would you do if you couldn’t fail,’ does that for me. I’ve achieved so much already that I’d been putting off.
Twitter: dnceluv
January 13, 2011 at 7:12 am
“…because I am a master at whiling away hours on ‘stuff.’ I am constantly busy and in danger at times of missing the passing by of my own life…”
How true is THAT! Ya, know, I’m in the same boat as you. Monetizing the blog. Reading this and how you struggle with getting the right things done every day, just resonates with me. I feel like yelling “I’m not the only one!!” Also, I’m totally stealing some of your action steps you listed. It’s time to just do this thang!
And umm..if you ever want a to guest post…..
Shay recently posted..He Showed Me His Penis on the First Date
Shay:
If we ever trade guest posts (which I would love to do by the way) you are in charge of the headlines. Lordy, lordy, you are QUEEN of the blog post headline. I *cannot* resist them – I thought some of mine were pretty good. And then I read yours
Twitter: dnceluv
January 14, 2011 at 8:55 am
Lmao! Your headlines rock, too! I’ve been practicing headlines though so it’s good to know that they’re irresistible!