So, way back at the beginning of the year, I set some goals for this blog and I shared those goals with you. Well, I have a confession to make. 
If you haven’t noticed already, I’m falling quite a bit short of many of those goals. Sound familiar to anyone else?
How I Set Goals?
I love goals b/c they stretch me and make me grow. Even if I don’t meet them, I’m usually better off for trying. I try to do a relatively good job of setting reasonable and reachable goals, but this time I think I really missed the mark in a few areas.
The main areas where I’m falling short are my goal to have a different series every 2 months and to post more high-quality, relevant, well-researched content. I also have not yet made the 72-hour kit series available in a printable or e-book format or even started on my 30-day recipe e-book. And my tips and recipes are not yet searchable. Bummer!
Why I Couldn’t Achieve My Goals?
So, I have some “excuses” for you. Well, I guess they could be considered “excuses,” but really they are just the truth.
Ultimately, I WAY underestimated how much time each of those projects would take in order to be done well. I also underestimated the time, attention, and energy building a new house and moving would take. So, finding the time to dedicate to my blog goal projects has been much more difficult than I thought it would be. In addition, I’ve been spending a lot more time mentoring and helping those on my THRIVE Life team of consultants.
I’ve been working very hard to help their businesses grow which means I’ve put this part of my business on the back burner. That has been incredibly rewarding (helping others always is, right?), but has taken a good chunk of my time. In addition, because of my very strong convictions that my family and kids must come first in my life, I’ve been spending quite a bit of time with them.
Adjustments to My Initial Goals
In the end, I think my goals for this site need a bit of tweaking and simplifying. Here is what I’m thinking:
- I’m no longer going to attempt a new series every few months, at least not for now. Creating a series takes an enormous amount of time to organize. I see the value in the helpfulness of a series, but creating those series has to take a back burner to other priorities in my life right now. I will still very likely post on those topics, but not in a full-out organized series way. I will save that for another year….or maybe I’ll do just one / year instead of SIX!
- I WILL continue to strive for more high-quality, relevant, and well-researched content. This may mean I’m only posting once or twice a week in addition to the 72 hr kit series each Wednesday, but my goal will be good content instead of lots of content. There will be a post most weeks from one of my team members (Francesca, Julie, Andrea, and Brigette). In addition, I’d like to personally post two additional times each week. These posts will come from three general areas/topics: (1) Recipes, (2) Product Highlights, and (3) A topic pulled from the list of things in my goals here.
- I WILL get my tips and recipes organized. I will likely hire this out though instead of trying to do it myself.
- I will only work on one e-book / printable this year and save the other for next year.
I need your help!
Last, I have two questions for you! Would you prefer I work on making the 72-hour kit series or the 30-day recipe book first? And next, would you like it in printable or e-book format first?
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
I personally would prefer 72 hr and printable. I just got my first shipment of thrive goodies in and I can’t wait to try them. Thanks for a great series. My B.O.B. is growing and I am feeling better each week about being prepared. I have 4 grown children, but I also am raising a grandchild. You never can be to prepared when you have little ones relying on you.
Thanks Eileen! I’ve decided to go ahead and do the 72 hr kit in print and then pdf format. I think this will be best as all the material is already there so I can get it done quicker. While I have a list of most the recipes I’d like to use, I haven’t made each one and taken pictures etc. So, I will begin working on that bit by bit so I’m ready to begin the publishing process on teh recipes early next year. Thanks so much for your feedback!
I think the 72 hour kit is most important. And I would love to have it printable.
Thanks Judy! I’ve decided to go ahead and do the 72 hr kit in print and then pdf format. I think this will be best as all the material is already there so I can get it done quicker. While I have a list of most the recipes I’d like to use, I haven’t made each one and taken pictures etc. So, I will begin working on that bit by bit so I’m ready to begin the publishing process on the recipes early next year. Thanks so much for your feedback!
I would prefer the 30 day recipes. I have a hard time coming up with ideas for meals using freeze dried items and would love printable pages that I can take with me when ever we go camping or in a bug out situation. I appreciate all the time and work you have put into your blog and always look forward to your next post. I also like the idea of trying recipes that have been children approved. With six children, it is hard to please everyone.
Thanks Vicki! I’ve decided to go ahead and do the 72 hr kit in print and then pdf format. I think this will be best as all the material is already there so I can get it done quicker. While I have a list of most the recipes I’d like to use, I haven’t made each one and taken pictures etc. So, I will begin working on that bit by bit so I’m ready to begin the publishing process on the recipes early next year. But I will add the recipes / pictures to the blog as I make them over the next few months. Thanks so much for your feedback!
Thank you for putting so much time and effort into all of these!!
I vote printable version of the recipe book.
I have an e-reader and usually prefer that, but I know that not everyone has e-readers and in the case of recipes I think printable is better. Then I can print out the recipe I need and take it to the kitchen with me. It is difficult to take the laptop (or kindle) into the kitchen to cook and worry about spills and taking up counter space.
The 72 hour kit can be accessed online whenever I want to work on it. I don’t need that printed on a piece of paper.
Thanks Vanessa! I’ve decided to go ahead and do the 72 hr kit in print and then pdf format. I think this will be best as all the material is already there so I can get it done quicker. While I have a list of most the recipes I’d like to use, I haven’t made each one and taken pictures etc. So, I will begin working on that bit by bit so I’m ready to begin the publishing process on the recipes early next year. But I will post the recipes / pictures to the blog as I make them over the next few months. Thanks so much for your feedback!
Misty, I want to thank you for the time you take to put all of this information together for us. It has been incredibly helpful to me and my family. I feel so much more prepared than I did when I first found your blog.
My personal opinion is the printable version of the 72 hour kit is what would be most helpful. My mom is visiting right now & (at 75) wants to put together a kit for her & my stepdad. She asked me if I had a list, so that’s what I’d prefer. None of our family has e-readers, so printable would be great.
Thanks Deb! I’ve decided to go ahead and do the 72 hr kit in print and then pdf format. I think this will be best as all the material is already there so I can get it done quicker. While I have a list of most the recipes I’d like to use, I haven’t made each one and taken pictures etc. So, I will begin working on that bit by bit so I’m ready to begin the publishing process on the recipes early next year. Thanks so much for your feedback!
Misty, I think that you have the most sensibly organized and comprehensive 72-hour kit information that I have found. I have barely started and would love to have it in a printable! Love your blog…thanks so much!
Thanks Julie! I’ve decided to go ahead and do the 72 hr kit in print and then pdf format. I think this will be best as all the material is already there so I can get it done quicker. While I have a list of most the recipes I’d like to use, I haven’t made each one and taken pictures etc. So, I will begin working on that bit by bit so I’m ready to begin the publishing process on the recipes early next year. Thanks so much for your feedback!
I would love the recipes first although I realize the preparation series is more important but I have saved them all in a file.
Thanks Nancy! I’ve decided to go ahead and do the 72 hr kit in print and then pdf format. I think this will be best as all the material is already there so I can get it done quicker. While I have a list of most the recipes I’d like to use, I haven’t made each one and taken pictures etc. So, I will begin working on that bit by bit so I’m ready to begin the publishing process on the recipes early next year. But I will post each recipe as I make it over the next few months! Thanks so much for your feedback!
Isn’t that always the way with goals! I want to do so much too but life is full and it’s hard to get it all done in the time we’re given. But I’m still amazed by how much you do get done and all the wonderful posts!
I would love the 72 hour kit as an e book (and printable 2nd).
I’m completely behind in my kit and have at least tried to store water (and hide it from in laws- they drink lots of water). But I do hope to continue to build on my supply.
Thank you for all the wonderful information you provide us and I look forward to whichever book you make
Thanks Sherie! I’ve decided to go ahead and do the 72 hr kit in print and then pdf format. I think this will be best as all the material is already there so I can get it done quicker. While I have a list of most the recipes I’d like to use, I haven’t made each one and taken pictures etc. So, I will begin working on that bit by bit so I’m ready to begin the publishing process on the recipes early next year. Thanks so much for your feedback!
I would prefer the 72 hr kit in a printable format! I have already tried to combine it all on my own and print it with no success. But, either way I will appreciate whatever you end up creating!
Thanks Alyssia! I’ve decided to go ahead and do the 72 hr kit in print and then pdf format. I think this will be best as all the material is already there so I can get it done quicker. While I have a list of most the recipes I’d like to use, I haven’t made each one and taken pictures etc. So, I will begin working on that bit by bit so I’m ready to begin the publishing process on the recipes early next year. Thanks so much for your feedback!
It sounds like you are thinking very straight here and making some very reasonable changes. I think, perhaps, the 30 day recipe book would be a great start. I actually like the e-book form first, though, personally. Is it my understanding though, that one or the other is less time consuming when it comes to creation? If so, go with that – you need the work-life balance.
Thanks Winona! I’ve decided to go ahead and do the 72 hr kit in print and then pdf format. I think this will be best as all the material is already there so I can get it done quicker. While I have a list of most the recipes I’d like to use, I haven’t made each one and taken pictures etc. So, I will begin working on that bit by bit so I’m ready to begin the publishing process on the recipes early next year. But I will post each recipe / pictures to the blog as I make them over the next few months. Thanks so much for your feedback!
30 day recipes!!!!! 😀 not sure about format….
Thanks Rebecca! I’ve decided to go ahead and do the 72 hr kit in print and then pdf format. I think this will be best as all the material is already there so I can get it done quicker. While I have a list of most the recipes I’d like to use, I haven’t made each one and taken pictures etc. So, I will begin working on that bit by bit so I’m ready to begin the publishing process on the recipes early next year. But I will post each recipe / pictures on the blog as I make them over the next few months. Thanks so much for your feedback!