It's Christmas Eve. And I know that some of you don't follow traditions or religious holidays. However, I am a HUGE fan of everything during the last quarter of the year. For me, it's more about friends, family, togetherness, and helping those in need than anything else. I don't know what it is...my mentality just makes a massive shift starting October 1st throughout the middle of January.
At any rate, I wanted to wish everyone a merry "whatever you celebrate." Whether you're doing candlelight ceremonies tonight or planning for Sir Isaac Newton's birthday tomorrow, we are all still people. A religious background doesn't take away from the fact that we are all humans sharing space on this mudball hurtling through space. I hope the holidays are everything you wish them to be, regardless of what you plan on doing. As long as you're happy and well, that is all I wish.
Also, when unwrapping gifts or enjoying the company of family tonight, tomorrow, or even next week, remember that there are plenty of people out there who don't have such comforts. And sometimes all it takes is a kind word to positively affect someone's life this time of year.
Anyway, what did we accomplish this week?
Continued Planning of 2022
I'm completely serious about making next year my most epic. And based on all of the things I've accomplished in 2021, it's going to be a difficult challenge. I'm constantly pushing myself a bit further just to see where the line is, and I have yet to cross it.
This week, I experimented a bit with structuring my days better while building a content strategy that helps me get more content out in less time. I've also been looking at what it would cost to get a few articles up on the blogs from other freelancers.
I was debating on using Textbroker, as that's how I got my start in writing. However, I also support the small creator and would rather give him or her the money directly. So, I'll have to see if that's going to be something I can afford in 2022.
My major goal for the year (you know, the one that would be nice but doesn't really matter) is getting into a warehouse. I am estimating about 2,000 square feet for everything I want to set up. The plan includes a nice writing office, a decent backdrop for the YouTube videos, building the bar for the podcasts, and having space for both ColoradoPlays and CrossingColorado.
This means I need to generate an extra $125 per day to afford the space. That's not too bad, in the grand scheme of things. If I can keep on task, this might be a doable goal for 2022.
Research for the Upcoming Vocal+ Story
With five days left, I've written just under a thousand words for my Vocal+ challenge story. I don't know why, but I am having the hardest time trying to fit in a western/gothic horror tale. Probably because I've never written a western before.
I spent quite a bit of time doing a bit of research on the antagonist and the layout of Rochester, New York in the 1880s. But I don't know if I'll have enough time to get the story done before the deadline. I spent too much time procrastinating. Not to mention handling all of the other projects I wanted to do the past couple of months.
If I don't get the story done in time, I'll simply add it to an anthology on Wattpad. Or, I might just publish it later after finishing Kingmaker and VII.
Prioritizing the Next Investment in Myself
As I mentioned before, it's time to start actually investing in myself more often. I've always tried to see just how much I can get done without spending money. And although I have built a bit of success for myself over the years, it's slow-going.
Obviously, I'm spending about $100 next week setting up the Amazon ads for A Freelancer's Tale. Mostly to see how effective it is so I can write a review and upload a video of the process. I do have a bit of a budget to maintain, so I need to pick some investments that are most likely to boost a return in the near future.
I'm probably going to buy a few pieces of software to write reviews. Scrivener, Atticus, and Vellum are on my watch list. I'll probably start with Scrivener simply because it's among the cheapest at $50.
Anyway, the point is that sometimes you need to spend money on yourself to improve your career. For instance, buying the better office chair when was first writing for Textbroker helped me almost triple my weekly income just because it was more comfortable to sit and write. I was able to focus more on the writing instead of how sore my backside felt.
Some investments can pay for themselves rather quickly, while others might take a bit of time. No matter how I slice it though, I need to start putting a bit of money behind my career path.
Have a Merry and Safe Christmas or Holiday Weekend!
I would like to thank everyone who follows and supports what I do. Every year, things just keep getting better and better, and it's all because of you.
It's one of the best gifts I could ever receive.
Have a safe and enjoyable weekend, no matter how you celebrate. And remember that if you ever need to reach out, I'm always here.