My 3 Blogging Tools

There's a lot more to blogging than just typing out a bunch of fancy words and hitting the publish button. You need to ensure that what you're putting out there is your best (or that you're at least satisfied) because first impressions really do count. You might have some loyal followers but it's also great to get your new blog visitors to keep coming back.

I use a few things to help me with my blogging. I even lie to you, I never plan posts. In fact, the only time I ever did that and used a schedule to publish new work was when I did Blogtober ( I did not make it to the end, maybe next time though). 

Since taking my blogging to the next level I have made use of the following tools:

• Grammarly: This one has been a lifesaver. I read often so my spelling isn't terrible but grammar.y has made editing SOOO much less of a drag. I like it because it was very easy to install and works across whatever computer program I use to type; whether I am blogging, tweeting or whatever requires written text. Get Grammarly if you don't already have it. The great part is that they offer a free version for those of you like me that don't necessarily have cash to spare

• My notebook: I carry my notebook around almost all the time, just in case inspiration hits; that way I can quickly jot down ideas before I forget them. I sleep with it at my bedside for those nights when I have difficulty sleeping. I get my thoughts down on paper, who knows, they may turn into a blog post.

• Unsplash: My most recent discovery. I had always wondered where the heck people get such gorgeous photos for blog posts and I needed pics to use for my Pinterest pins because my Pinterest was very dull looking; it was so dull that if it wasn't my Pinterest, even I wouldn't have been keen to check it out. I found Unsplash through Google I think it was and my blog's Pinterest has never been the same.

These I think are my 3 most important blogging tools. There are others I make use of but I decided these were worth the mention because they have had the most positive impact on my blog. I noticed a substantial increase in my stats after making use of them. I used to just wing it but a bit of planning by making notes when inspiration hits, I can keep track of new post ideas.

Which tools have helped make your log a success? Share them with me in the comments. 

Another Look at My Goals for 2018

As the year is winding down and steadily coming to an end I thought now would be a good time to look at how much I actually managed to accomplish.

I set a few goals for myself at the beginning of the year which I decided to share with you in a blog post earlier (view them here). I find goal planning helps give me some direction so I'm not running blind and I get to also see if I'm actually utilizing my time effectively.

I set 20 goals; some of which I crossed of in the original post but I will now share and discuss with you a few more that I have achieved from my list:

"Reach a wider audience with my blog"

I have definitely managed to achieve this one. How? I made use of social networks to promote my posts. I joined Pinterest, Bloglovin and created a Facebook page. I wasn't doing this before and it has have a huge positive impact on my blog. I now have a total of 12 blog followers.

So far that is the only other goal I can say I have achieved. sadly I have not managed to reach my goal weight; not for lack of trying. I have been sick so often this year; it's crazy! I am actually experiencing weird chest pains as I type this. I have not been to see a doctor yet and also I have exhausted my medical aid funds for the year (sigh); such is life...  And to be honest I get tired of being pricked and prodded like I'm some type of medical experiment.

I did however gym as much as I possibly could; at least 4 times a week even though there's no 6 pack in sight. My abs still need a little work but I will not be worried about that during the festive season. I will try not to eat too much crap and squeeze in as many workouts as I can.

"Obtain a mark of 70% overall for SUS1501"

I missed this one by just 2 percent!!! However I am satisfied. The important thing is that I actually put in some effort. Setting this goal helped me to push myself a little harder and stop being lazy and settling for whatever. I also know exactly where I went wrong. I am proud of the marks I managed to achieve academically this year because I was going through a lot personally. My life has been a rollercoaster and I am glad to say I came out on top.

As you can see I haven't had the most productive year in terms of goal attainment but atleast I am still alive and kicking and I am trying to knock a few items off that list. I have just under a month left and times waits for no man so I best get cracking!

Let's set more goals and knock them out the park!

Later guys xoxo

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