In it for the Long Run

wellness | intuition | curiosity

The Best of In it 4 the Long Run in 2015 & What’s Coming Next

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You guys, I’m really excited to share this post with you today. I’m personally a huge sucker for year-in-review posts and videos. Is it just me or do they choke you up a bit? As someone who likes to charge head first into the future, I’ve slowly learned how important it is to take time to look back, reflect and prepare to charge forward again, even stronger.

In it 4 the Long Run

Personal Growth

If I could use just one word to describe 2015 it would be growth. Not just for this blog, but a lot of personal growth. A year ago, I was packing up from my brief stay in New Jersey to move to Boston for work. I arrived just in time to experience record amounts of snow. I’ve never shoveled a car out of that much snow, that many times in my life, nor do I ever wish to again. Let’s just say both my car and I had quite a few breakdowns.

This year I wrestled with a lot of personal demons, which on the bright side, makes for some good writing. I shared why I didn’t believe before & after pictures told the full story, how I learned to be happy with my happy weight, how my view of fitness transformed from punishment to empowerment and what I wish I could tell my 20-year-old self about recovery. I came out of this year feeling more comfortable in my own skin than I have in my life.

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Blog Growth

On a brighter note, I dove head first into this whole blog thing. Up until this year I treated the blog like a hobby. I’d spend some time on it now and again, but I didn’t take it too seriously. 2015 was all about taking this shit seriously.

The numbers don’t lie: taking shit seriously worked pretty well. Last December, my monthly page views hovered around 25,000 and this month I’m on track to hit 80,000. Last December, I had just started my blog’s Instagram and had less than 100 followers and today I’m hovering around 14,200. This isn’t to brag, just to say that putting in the work really works. (ps I’m planning on doing a post all about this growth, if you’re interested in these kinds of blogging tips I have a special blogging newsletter you can sign up for here)

I spent 2015 focused on photography, honing in on a consistent design, creating stupid simple recipes, growing my social media presence and even created my first product: the Instagram Photography E-Book. I had no idea what to expect and was blown away by the response. Over 77 people have bought the book so far and people’s reaction is truly what made it all worth it.

Build your blog's tribe by creating remarkable images on Instagram. I'll teach you exactly how in: The Blogger's Guide to Instagram Photography.

However, hands down the most rewarding endeavor of 2015 has been creating Bloggers Gonna Blog (aka #BGBCommunity) with Christina from The Blissful Balance. Up until this year, I hadn’t put any real effort into building relationships with other bloggers and it was apparent that a huge hole was missing from the picture. BGBCommunity started as a place for me to connect with a couple of my favorite bloggers in an informal way. We could share our advice, triumphs and struggles. It started as six bloggers and slowly has grown to 180 fiercely awesome women supporting each other at every step. The best part is there’s no slowing this train down. Christina and I have massive plans for this community. 2016, you betta watch yo self.

BGBCommunity

I’m so lucky that the interwebz helped forge Christina and my friendship. I text this chick every day with my crazy ideas and problems and she’s always there to help give me advice, inspiration and a good laugh. I can’t say enough amazing things about her. This picture makes me laugh every time because it looks like we’re on a first date.

OE6

Then I quit my first job. But more on that in the “What’s Next” section.

The Top 10 Recipes of 2015

1. Avocado Quinoa Harvest Bowl

2. Coconut Mango Green Smoothie

3. Chocolate Sunbutter

4. Walnut Spinach Basil Pesto

5. Grain-free Oatmeal

Avocado Quinoa Harvest Bowl

Chocolate SunbutterPear Ginger Green Smoothie

6. Zoodles with Basil Avocado Sauce

7. Peanut Butter and Chia Jam Overnight Oats

8. How to Make a Baller Smoothie Bowl

9. Brownie Batter Energy Bites

10. Pear Ginger Lime Green Smoothie

Your Favorite Blog Tips

A Blogger’s Guide to Building Your Instagram Part 1

A Blogger’s Guide to Building Your Instagram Part 2

The Photography Resources that Changed my Blog

What Brands Look for in Bloggers

How to Make Money from Your Healthy Living BlogA Blogger's Guide to Building Your Instagram: Part 1 - All the tips and tricks no one tells you.

So long (run) story short, 2015 was a big year for personal and blog growth. 2016, we’re locked and loaded so get ready.

What’s Next

I thought I’d take this time to give you a little preview of what’s to come and what to expect from this ‘lil old blog.

New Posting Schedule

Although I did make a concerted effort to be very consistent with posting 2-4x a week in 2015, my posting days were a little scattered. I’m taking the time now to let you know that we’ll be sticking with a pretty hard and fast schedule next year so you know exactly what to expect (and when).

New posts will go live every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday with occasional sponsored content on Tuesdays.

More Consistent Exclusive Newsletter Content

Not much to say on this one, but that I’ve kind of let my amazing newsletter peeps down a bit. Although I’ve shared some exclusive recipes there hasn’t been a ton of action. That’s about to change. I have a couple meal plans with shopping lists and recipes all lined up for the new year. If you want in on this party it’s not too late (actually it’s literally never too late but you should still sign up).

A New Course

Ok, I’m basically going against all rational advice and letting all of the cats out of all of the bags, but to be honest, I just am too excited and want you to be too! I’m taking everything I learned from creating the Instagram Photography E-book, everything I learned from my own experience, the questions I get daily and so much more and turning that into an course for growing a vibrant, unique and profitable Instagram account.

(If you have burning questions you want to be answered about Instagram now’s the time to speak up – drop me a line at init4thelongrun4@gmail.com with your Insta question. I’ll answering and include it in the course materials.)

The goal is to launch it by late February/March so if you want to be on the waiting list sign up here.

Why I Quit

Oh yeah, I told you that I’d explain why I quit my job. Well, as some of you know I was living in Boston working as a social media manager for a healthy CPG company. For a lot of different reasons I realized it was time to move on and I’m super excited to start the next chapter.

What’s the next chapter you ask?

I’ll be moving (home) to Nantucket for the next 10 months to work at a local coffee shop, focus on ze blog, work with some freelance clients and work on a secret(ish) project with Christina.

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Ok, wow. Thank you for sticking with me through this epic little novel here. The moral of this story is that I’m beyond grateful for YOU and seriously couldn’t do any of this without your support. God, that sounds so cliche, but if you could see my face everytime I get an email from a reader, or see how my eyes light up when I see someone comment or make a recipe you’d know how sincerely I mean this.

In fact, I’m going to ask you one tiny favor to help me help you. If you could fill out this quick reader survey that would be so helpful to make 2016 truly epic.

Reader Survey

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Comments

  1. So blown away by everything you accomplished this year, though I shouldn’t be because you work so hard every single day and it is so evident here on your blog. SO excited to see what 2016 holds for you! Wishing you all the best! xo

  2. Congrats your your amazing growth this year , Georgie! I can honestly say that your blog and the BGB community has greatly inspired our blog! Keep up the great work and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2016 🙂

  3. YOU’RE GOING TO MAKE ME CRY. You are such an amazing human and I feel so grateful that the universe brought us together! I can’t wait to see how much you flourish in 2016 – you are an inspiration, truly. LYLAS HAPPY NEW YEAR YOU ROCK

  4. Georgie, this is freaking awesome. All the growth and successes you’ve experienced are inspiration to all of us. You’ve been such an influential part of my blog journey, and I really would not be where I am without BGB. I cannot WAIT to see everything you have planned for 2016. I know you’re going to do big things! (BGB meet-up???!!?) <3

    • First of all HECK YES to the meetup – I’m just scheming where and when at this point – secondly that absolutely means the world because to be a part of someone like you, who is insanely talent’s journey is humbling to say the least. I’m not kidding I think the world of you Emilie and I can just tell your blog is about to explode (I mean it’s already growing insanely fast as it is) Ok, I’m clearly rambling here but you rock, end of story.

  5. UGH I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU. Seriously you’re just amazeballs and I am so so so so soooooooo thankful beyond words that I found your blog. You are certainly a force to be reckoned with and I cannot wait to see what’s next for you <3 <3 <3 x a million and 25 + 198374119374.

  6. Wow! So excited for you!! This really shows that all the hard work blogging really does pay off 🙂 Congrats to you and I can’t wait to see the new content in 2016!

    -Molly
    apolloandluna.com

  7. This is awesome and wonderful and you’re killing it! So happy that you’re making moves that feel good, in this virtual space and in real life. Excited to see what’s in store in 2016 for ya – I can feel that it’s great already 🙂

  10. I am beyond excited to see where you take the blog during this next chapter of your life. I’m so happy to be part of the BGB community and am so inspired by what you’ve done, and I know a “rest and regroup” in Nantucket will have you inspired to do your next big thing!

  12. Georgie, I am a rather newer reader to your blog, but you inspire me. Not only in terms of your blog, but your life in general. You’re a vibrant, thriving, successful, and independent young lady. You’re what I aspire to be. Thank you so much for allowing me into the #bgbcommunity, and I am entirely grateful for all of the advice you’ve already allotted to me. Thank you for every thing. I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for 2016!

  13. AHHHHHHH YOU GO GIRL!!!! So happy for you and your accomplishments. You are an inspiration! And THANK YOU for creating BGB. The group is by far my favorite for support and love and inspiration. It’s a blessing to this busy blogging momma! Love you girl. Keep up the amazingness!

  14. Congrats Georgie!!!!!! I love your blog and the BGB Community has been a huge jump start for me. I’m so thankful to have come across it! Good luck on your move home and what is next for you!

    • Hahah yeeess – what would 2015 even be without some quality ball puns? Nuthin. So pumped we’ve gotten to know each other through this blog-o-sphere. Cheers to more in-person meetups in 2016!

  18. Georgie <3 <3 This post is so great and I'll probably be copy-catting you 😉
    I have no idea how I ended up finding the BGB Community, but I'm so flipping grateful that I stumbled into it. You are amazing and I cannot wait to see all the incredible things that are coming from you in the future.

  19. Congrats on an amazing year! You are truly an inspiration to myself and so many others. I can already tell there are HUGE things coming in 2016 and I can’t wait to see what you have in store 🙂

  20. Can I just say how incredibly amazing you are? From all the personal to the blog growth you rocked 2015! And if this was basically -your- year already I can’t even imagine the magic 2016 will bring for you. Though your plans give away it’s going to be nothing short of wonderful, too. Lots of hard work, too, I guess but you’ve proven you can do this all.
    The BBG group is fantastic and I hope I’ll get myself together in dedicating more time to my blog and getting an idea of where I want to go with it in 2016. So I can actually be more active in the community, too.

    • Hi Jen! That’s an excellent goal – if you go to facebook.com/groups/bgbcommunity just request to be part of the group and I’ll accept you right away! Also if you’re using instagram use the hashtag #BGBCommunity and follow along with some of the amazing content other ladies are making too!

  22. High Five! Nailed it! Your blog has been fascinating and wonderful to watch it grow over time. I was following you from the beginning of this year and I can tell it’s grown a lot. Not to mention the awesome community of BGB–I’m so happy to be a part of that group. I signed up for your newsletter! Keep doing great things, Georgie.

  24. Alright so I’ve read your blog for awhile but just never commented. I love all your posts (especially year in review posts, I’m a sucker for those too) and as a newer blogger, all of your tips are super helpful. You seem really fun and down to earth, and I’m excited for what’s to come with your blog!

    • Amanda this comment totally made my day, thank you! <3 If you're interested in joining the BGBCommunity which is all about helping each other grow check out facebook.com/groups/bgbcommunity and request to be a member! We'd love to have you

  26. I am so incredibly happy for you, Georgie!! You are such an inspiration. Really. I learn so many new tips from you and the community every day, but I still am in awe about how amazingly your blog and business has grown. I don’t take enough time to spend…time….on monetizing and all that jazz, but then again i’m not sure that’s where I want to go with it. Gah!! Can’t wait to read more about your developments 🙂

  27. I just love your blog and am so happy I stumbled upon it earlier this year. I reread some of your personal growth posts that you linked, and girl, I can’t tell you enough how much you inspire me!

  31. This is amazing Georgie! I’m so glad that you created the BGB community, not only so I could learn a lot and get my blog out there more, but also to get to know amazing bloggers and hear about their triumphs and the occasional fail (with all of us to pick them back up). I am SO inspired by your success and it’s so deserved. I can’t wait to continue to follow you in 2016! I think that will be a big year for you, and I also have some big plans. I’ll be there supporting you along the way <3

  32. Congrats on all the success and yay for a new job!! I love the community you have built, the content on BGB is always so helpful and I love knowing there are people I can relate to online! Can’t wait to see where your blog goes next year!