Once upon a time, there was a lady who disappeared into dust in the middle of a tea party. She found herself among tinsel and snowflakes only to vanish again. Little did anyone know she’d reappear months later in a land of sandy shores and sticky rain.

You guessed it. That lady’s me.

I shared a little about my hiatuses on Twitter and in my latest email to The Write Spread readers the weekend of September 24, 2017.

As I repave my way back to consistent creation, I thought this’d be the perfect time to evaluate my progress so far. And it’s so fitting since the last time we filled out a report card was September 2016. Must be something about September, eh? Autumn, new school year, the start of the “-ber” months . . .

In our review, we focus on three areas — Explore, Embrace, and Engage — and the five criteria that totals up to 10 points for each area.

The criteria is as follows:

Quality: Visibility of my true colors through the work I do and the connections I make based on authenticity and vulnerability
Uniqueness: Distinct voice and reception to interdisciplinary connections in the content I produce and encounter
Audience-focused: Ability for the lovelies in my community and the audience who visit my various platforms to directly benefit from the resources I create, share, and find
Clarity: Expression of my message in the content I share and supported in the content I absorb
Consistency: Regular maintenance of Hint of Jam’s components

(If you’d like to grab a bonus copy of the report card I use so you can apply it to your own passion project, click here!)

HoJ’s Annual Report Card 2017

September 2016 ~ September 2017

Explore | Research + Knowledge Expansion

In my last report card, I said I wanted to expand my realms of learning outside of webinars. I’m happy to report that I’ve accomplished this without even realizing it! *Launches into a small victory dance*

Although webinars can definitely be a great place to learn tidbits in an hour and receive great deals for courses a person’s excited to buy, I’m not built for webinars. I like to slow simmer, have the freedom to research on tangents, and bounce ideas with a group of people.

And I’m so glad I gave myself space to do just that. Not only was I able to expand my research, but I was able to devour several books for my reading challenge goal this year. Woot woot!

Quality: 2 pts > Strength
Uniqueness: 2 pts
Audience-focused: 2 pts
Clarity: 2 pts
Consistency: 1 pt > Needs improvement
- TOTAL: 9 pts — 2 points up from last time. *Fist pumps into the air*

Intention: Read at least one book from a fellow creative each month to continue learning through community.

Embrace | Content Creation + Administrative Tasks

I love love love this part of running Hint of Jam. And getting back into it over the past month and a half has been so good. It’s like revisiting your favorite coffee shop and being reunited with your signature drink after months of being separated. Delightful.

Since I’m regaining momentum yet again, the road to consistency’s been rough. But that’s how it is for all new beginnings, ya? I’ve published one article on the blog at least once every other week and have sent email newsletters at least once a month. A good starting point to more growth and better things to come.

Quality: 2 pts > Strength
Uniqueness: 2 pts
Audience-focused: 2 pts
Clarity: 1 pt
Consistency: 1 pt > Needs Improvement
- TOTAL: 8 pts — Gained a point from last time. Woot woot!

Intention: Build momentum toward posting one article each week and staying in touch through The Write Spread every other week.

Engage | Interaction

This is definitely the area I need improvement. The disappearances have been frequent and lengthy this time around. However, much of the reason is ‘cause I was preparing to travel back to my island home. Then once I got here . . . I extended my stay.

So I’ll be here for an indeterminate amount of time, but I’ll definitely be updating those who’re following along on The Write Spread about what’s to come. Plus, I’ll be updating my Instagram soon with a few pics I’m excited about.

I may have wandered into the forest, but I meandered back to me. The real me. But I’ll work on keeping everyone in the loop.

Quality: 2 pt > Strength
Uniqueness: 1 pt
Audience-focused: 1 pt
Clarity: 1 pt
Consistency: 1 pt > Needs improvement
- TOTAL: 6 pts — Down one point. No worries, I have faith in me and all the lovelies!

Intention: Refocus on creating meaningful connections both online and offline while recharging my introvert batteries.

> Hint of Jam’s overall score for 2017 is 23/30 (or 77%). <

Jumping back onto my trusty steed, starting off on a canter, we’ll be off to a gallop in no time. Here’s to growth in the journey ahead!

Let’s Chat

What suggestions do you have for improving the work I do on Hint of Jam? How are you doing with your passion projects in 2017? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, lovely, so we can cheer each other on.