Working a full-time job and running a blog can be exhausting! Between my day job and planning and creating posts, I don’t have as much time as to put into long term planning. Recently I decided to take a day off work so I could spend some quality time with Twin Stripe – I called it a “blog retreat.
How to Plan for a Blog Retreat:?
Create an agenda before your retreat –
In the days before the retreat, I kept a running list of different projects I wanted to tackle that included everything from developing a media kit to starting a business plan. The night before my retreat, I ordered my agenda items by importance so I could get to work the next morning. I intentionally put more items on my list than I knew I could get to so I could skip something if I didn’t feel like tackling it.
Create or update your blog business plan –
I was planning to put together blog goals, but then I stumbled across this phenomenal blog business plan template from By Regina. It included goals and more, so it was the perfect way for me to plan and goal set.
3. Make something delicious for lunch –
Since I work in an office, I never have the chance to make lunch. I typically take leftovers or make a salad. As a special treat, I decided to make something that I couldn’t have on a regular workday due to the lack of kitchen. I can’t get enough of this amazing spinach salad topped with roasted asparagus and tomatoes, a fried egg, avocado, and parmesan cheese.
I didn’t want to waste time answering emails and updating social media, so I scheduled breaks in for a few minutes each hour. I was able to check-in without getting too distracted. (I also made sure I took a snack break or two!)
5. Schedule a blog retreat quarterly (or more often if you can) –
This day worked so well for me that I am planning on doing it again in a few weeks. I’ll be working on more long term planning and gearing up for the holidays. It’s great to have a day devoted to working on Twin Stripe.
Have you ever taken a blog retreat or would you consider taking one?
Do you think it would be beneficial to your blog and creative process?
I hope you all had a great weekend! Chad and I are heading back from Chicago today.
We had a great time visiting friends and eating our way through the city. Check out Instagram for some highlights.