2015 isn’t yet over, but it’s getting pretty darn close.
Because I plan to talk about my 2016 goals as the first post of 2016 and I want to make sure there is some nice actionable information inbetween, I’ve decided to publish my own review of the 2015 year now, and invite you to share your story as well.
What A Year!
This has been the most significant year of my life by far (other than the year I was born, I’ve heard that was pretty important!)
To start out, I have released 5 new products over the course of the year:
- Blogging For Money: Starting Your Very Own Web Business!
- Achieve Financial Independence And Retire Early!
- Kindle eBook Publishing – Achieve Success With No Marketing
- Email Marketing: Build A Huge List Of Engaged Subscribers
- And finally, a membership component to Help Start My Site.
This is far beyond what I had originally planned to do at the start of the year, and the fact that I have gone back and added new lectures to the majority of my courses is just icing on the cake. I couldn’t be happier with the products I’ve released this year, and I still look forward to releasing more in the future. Every business needs a product to sell, and the fact that I’ve added 5 new ones this year is just phenomenal to me.
I’ve also focused significantly more time on YouTube in recent weeks, and while my channel
hasn’t grown too much yet, this an area I plan to spend to focus on more in 2016 along with potentially Periscope. They say the future of TV is on platforms like these, and if it’s true, I know I want a piece of it.
Finally, a few other changes – I’m outsourcing much of the work I used to do on my own, which has freed up a lot of my time to pursue other ideas. I actually do run several other businesses alongside this one (non-IM related) so this has been really nice. Honestly, it just made sense – I’ve been able to put this time to other use that has actually made me more money than what it has cost me, so I look forward to outsourcing even more next year.
The Times They Are A-Changin’
When I say this has been the most significant year of my life, I don’t just mean in business. I have not had a more transformative year in my entire life personally than 2
015. For better or for worse, the times really are a-changin’.
I started this year the same way I had many years before – looking to grow the businesses as much as I possibly could, wanting to make as much money as I could, and helping as many people as I could in the process. I had already enjoyed moderate success before this point and I was loving life, so of course I wanted more of the same. Why not?
Then fairly early on in the year, life threw me a giant curveball that I could have never possibly expected – I got a taste of what parenting is like.
While certainly not the easiest work I’ve done, it was by far the most fulfilling and I had never felt more pure joy and happiness than I did during that time.
I have to be careful what I say because I am fairly certain my family reads this blog, and the lot of them will jump on any opportunity to sue me. Anyhow, a lot has happened that I can’t discuss publicly and I ended up losing her.
And I have never been so down in my life. If I were to say what’s truly been on my mind, I’d be thrown into a mental hospital, so again, I must be careful what I say. I understand it’s not professional to admit these sort of things, but I have always been transparent and honest with you. Everybody has problems. You, me, the world’s happiest person, everyone. I don’t pretend to have a perfect life and you should be suspicious of anyone that does.
Please don’t ever think that having success or having lots of money will bring you happiness. It may make it easier, and you’ll be better off with both, but it requires a lot more.
I have never in my life made more money than I am now, but ironically, I have also never been more upset. But, life goes on.
Other than that, I have cut off contact with the bulk of my family, dropped out of college, ended a 3 year relationship, and the entire way I’ve structured my life has fundamentally changed.
When I say this has been the most significant year of my life, I mean it.
Let’s Hear About Your Year!
I didn’t publish this post just to talk about myself. I’d love to hear how your 2015 has been so far, both professionally and personally.
If you’re a non-MMO blogger, don’t hesitate to share your story as well. While the bulk of my commenters are make money online bloggers, the bulk of my audience is not. I encourage anyone working in any market – even if you don’t have a blog yet – to comment here and share your story. I really would love to hear from you, and I know many others would like to as well.
Here’s hoping your 2015 has been great, and next year will be even better!
– James McAllister
Hi James,
Wow what a year! Accomplishing more than expected is amazing. I like to squish my year into 11 months and then take the 12th month to work on changes I want to make for the next year.
I don’t know exactly what you went through, but life isn’t all rosy. I’m sorry for whatever you went through. I too had some difficulty a few months back that pushed me into depression….in the bed depression. But I bounced back. Can’t complain.
As far as business goes, I did surprise myself doing more than planned. Even though life took me off the internet a few times to deal with “issues” I kept pressing on because it is the most important thing for me. I think I’ll loose my mind if I didn’t do what I do.
I also have another business besides my online one and I know the juggling can be difficult. But hey, we both did it. Now we deserve to celebrate somehow. Maybe that’s why people celebrate New Years…
Wishing you a joyous and prosperous new year ahead,
-Donna
Donna Merrill(Quote)
Hi Donna!
That’s actually a great idea, using December to focus on next year. Good way to stay ahead of things too and grant yourself a cushion. I like it.
Sorry to hear about the depression. I can relate very well to that. Honestly, I’ve never gone through something so hard in my entire life, but I have tried to look for positives. I have learned so much about life this year, it just astonishes me. I’ve also realized that there is truly a lot that I do not yet know. I could have never possibly predicted any of this, which amazes me in a way.
I’m very glad to hear that you also got more done than expected. It’s always a nice feeling to reach our goals, but it’s an even better one to exceed them. I know you are very driven and I am confident you’ll do just as well in 2016!
James McAllister(Quote)
Hi James,
Wonderful indeed, as you’ve achieved a great deal this year, and seeing your age, that’s surely commendable 🙂
As they say, no one ever has it all, and in most cases – if we do well professionally and achieve success, something takes a backseat. It could be our family, kids, health, relationships, and much more, unless we learn to strike the right balance, which comes with time and experience.
Things are never smooth for most people, and that includes most bloggers, marketers, and those who work online. But such is life, with it’s twists and turns, and living it is what matters, isn’t it? So, cheer up! I’m sure the coming year would be better for you where relationships and your family is concerned 🙂
Thanks for sharing. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
Harleena Singh(Quote)
Hi Harleena!
You’re absolutely right. During that period, it was my business that was put on the backseat. During that time I realized what really mattered to me, what truly brought me happiness – and it wasn’t making money. That was very eye-opening, because the businesses were my main priority beforehand. I wanted money. And then I think back, and my happiest moments involved no money at all. It’s so strange.
Perhaps my biggest goal in life right now is to be at a point where I can retire before I have children. I do not want to have to put family life on the backseat for the sake of money. I love the work I’m doing, but I like having the options, you know? I had a pregnancy scare a while back that didn’t end up happening, but during that time I couldn’t help but think about the role my work plays in my life. Right now, it consumes it. That would not be fair to any child, and I know when I end up having one, they will always have to come first. I know for certain that parenting will be the most fulfilling and important work of my life.
While I don’t think I’ll ever disappear, I forsee myself becoming only a hobby blogger when that time comes. Interesting to think about..
You are absolutely right, life is so full of twists and turns. I could have never of predicted this. And while I’m forever changed by everything that’s happened this year, it’s my responsibility to move on and make my life situation better. Meet new people, gather new experiences, and just live. It is hard to stay positive when I am so devastated by my loss, but dwelling on it will not improve the situation.
I didn’t mean to go off on a tangent, but you’ve got me thinking. I really appreciate your advice and insight Harleena, it means a lot.
James McAllister(Quote)
Well hello again there Jamesss!
Looks as if youve had a fantastic year with product releases and so forth. Congrats to you.
My year has been one of reflection and a fresh start. As you know I am currently starting a brand new website that teaches small biz’s how to setup shop online. Ive been knee deep into creating content for the site, brainstorming product ideas and etc, and mannn is it a lott of work. But i am excited to see how things shake out nevertheless.
I am really sorry to hear about some of the issues and setbacks that you have experienced on the personal front and pray that things will get better for ya.
Heres to an Awesome new year guys. Wishing you all of the best in your blogging and biz journey!
Kim George(Quote)
Hi Kim!
Yeah, I’m very pleased with the progress I’ve made this year. Of course, I would have liked to do more but this just shows that next year I need to set bigger goals.
So glad to hear that your year has been going well. I know we only met fairly recently, but it’s been exciting to keep up with your progress. I know you’re a hustler and it’s going to pay off. I’m looking forward to seeing you grow in 2016. Here’s hoping for another transformative year!
James McAllister(Quote)
Hi James,
Congratulations on all you’ve achieved in 2015, those are truly amazing accomplishments. I’m really sorry you had such a rough time earlier in the year and hope things will work out in the end.
My 2015 has been rough too with the loss of my Mum. The resulting family pressures put my online business on hold and I don’t feel I achieved an awful lot, being honest. But family must always come first.
My offline business had its most successful year for a long time, so that’s also impacted on what I could achieve online. The offline order book is full for the early part of 2016 too – nothing to complain about there, but it does mean that online progress is slow.
Rather than rambling on your blog, it’s probably time for a review of 2015 post on my own blog!
Wishing you everything you wish yourself for 2016. I know professionally you’re going to make a huge impact and really hope that your family plans will work out for the best.
Joy
Joy Healey(Quote)
Hi Joy!
Appreciate your kind words. I know things will not work out for me in this regard but I think we learn to live with these things. There’s not much else we can do, after all. I just hope I learn sooner rather than later.
Sounds like 2015 has been a year of ups and downs for you as well. Sorry again to hear about your loss, I really could not imagine what that would be like. Still, we can appreciate the success we’ve had in our professional life and improve in that regard heading into the new year. That’s something that’s always in our control, which is comforting to think about.
Good to talk to you again Joy!
James McAllister(Quote)