Ahhh, the holiday season. Tales of drunken stupor and over-eating aside, it’s a time for giving, a time for sharing, a time for reflecting and a time for change.

Every Christmas and New Year brings to it an end, but more importantly it brings to it a new beginning, and let’s face it, there’s nothing more exciting than starting something new.

Whether you’re wanting to lose those extra kilos, kick that dirty habit, or launch that business you’ve always dreamt of, New Year’s resolutions are a great way to jump start your journey.

So what’s this got to do with your blog? Well, a lot, really. Whether it’s only 3 months old or 3 years old, there are things that we always want to start (or do), but keep putting off. So why not write some New Year’s resolutions for your blog? As odd as this is going to sound, some of your blog’s New Year’s Resolution might not be too far from your own. I know when I was writing out my 5 New Years resolutions, my blog’s equivalent were eerily identical. Let me show you.

1^st Resolution. Exercise more regularly (blog more regularly)

A happy body is a healthy body, and to get a healthy body, you need to exercise. And I’m not talking about doing it great for a week, I’m talking about doing it great for the rest of your life.

A happy blog is a healthy blog, and to get a healthy blog, you need to publish. And I’m not talking about doing it great for a week, I’m talking about doing it great for the rest of your life.

2^nd Resolution. Stop eating junk food (stop publishing junk)

The other step in getting a healthy body is to stop eating junk food. Junk food basically poison’s your body and the hard work you’re putting into your first resolution, will be put to waste if you keep eating junk food.

Your blog also, isn’t immune to the effects of junk, so stop publishing it! If it’s not your best stuff each and every time don’t hit publish, save it as a draft and come back to it later on. Reducing the amount of junk on your blog will keep it (your readers) happy and ensure it’s around for many years to come (just like you’re hoping for your body!).

3^rd Resolution. Buy a new wardrobe (get a new theme)

A change is as good as a holiday they say, and every so often, you’ll need to update your wardrobe. Nothing feels better than stepping out in clothes that are current, clothes that fit, and clothes that make you look and feel great!

And the same can be said for your blog. If you’ve been running the same theme for a while, maybe it’s time for a change? You may not know it but your blogs current look may have garnered all of the readers it can. A new blog design could attract new followers simply by looking new and fresh while still punching out that great content.

4^th Resolution. Learn something new (do something different with your blog)

Whether it’s to learn a new language, start a new hobby, or try that certain something that you needed an occasion to justify it to your friends, just do it. New Year’s Resolutions are a perfect excuse to do any of these things.

For your blog, try something new! Start podcasting or uploading videos. Write that brilliant guest post and send it to a famous blogger. Ask the people you’ve followed for an interview. What have you got to lose? Nothing. What do you stand to gain? Everything!

5^th resolution. Spend more time with the family (spend more time with the family)

If you’re working the 9 to 5 there aren’t many ways to “spend more time with the family”. Options are limited (work part-time) and don’t truly represent a good work/life balance (work full-time with family friendly hours). However, one stand out option deserves a lot of your attention.

Work for yourself.

Though this option may seem far-fetched for some, it really isn’t as difficult as you may think. Many people have turned hobbies into careers and it’s not unusual to hear of people giving up the corporate life all together, to live life by their means.

And if you’re an avid blogger or have just been reading blogs for a while, you know that this medium has helped many people fulfill their dreams of self-employment. Whether you use your blog for partial income (AdWords or Clickbank) or to advertise and drive traffic to your small business, it’s clear to see that blogging plays a special role in achieving your dream of running your own business, and at the same time “spending more time with the family”.

If there’s one thing we all know about New Years Resolution it’s that for many they never seem to last past the first couple of months. So this year make it different. This year, write them down and stick them up. Not just in one place, but everywhere. Keep a copy in your wallet / purse, stick the list up near your home PC, and also where you work. You want the list to “pop up” when you have those day-dream moments of a different life, a different job, a different you.

More importantly, tell those important to you of your resolutions and ask them to keep you accountable. Insist on regular meet ups to give them updates, and you know, I’m sure they could do with the same returned favour, and so offer them your services for any New Years Resolutions they may want seen through. The “buddy system” is a very powerful thing.

So, make next year your year of change, and don’t just keep it to yourself, but shout it from the rooftops. The universe works in strange ways and by not only telling yourself but others of your intentions, you might just attract the people you need to help you with your journey. Good luck.

Guest post by dExTeR – dExTeR runs gossip ink social media ^[1], a small Australian-based business focused on helping small businesses with their Social Media efforts. From setting up, to updating, coaching and advice, it’s the kick from behind that some business owners need to get their Social Media jumpin’! Happily married, his other interests include computers (he’s still a practicing IT geek), cars and getting up at 4am to lovingly write for his other blog ^[2], about his 2.5 kids.