While the mantra of 2020 has been to expect the unexpected, my personal feelings about 2020 felt much less optimistic. As someone who loves to meticulously plan and thrives in structured environments, I struggled to cope with the twists and turns of the year. In fact, I began to personally believe that my 2020 mantra was that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. However, in looking back at the year I am able to come to terms with the fact that there were still things worth celebrating. Keep reading today’s post for my recap of my 2020 Successes & Failures.

---

Personal 2020 Successes

1. I Finished Graduate School

Finishing my Graduate Program is my biggest accomplishment of 2020. Although my graduate program turned out quite different than what I originally anticipated, I am proud to possess two advanced degrees.

2. I Landed a Job (and was Promoted)

Against all odds, I started working in 2020 immediately after graduating. Although I started the summer working solely as a consultant, I am proud to say that I am now working in a full-time capacity for my main client, while continuing to consult on the side.

Blogging 2020 Successes

1. My Blog Traffic Skyrocketed

There is no way that I could have ever anticipated this year’s traffic growth. In 2019, my blog garnered just under 24,000 views. In 2020, my blog garnered over 109,000 and my best month saw 22,900 views.

While the recent changes to Google’s Search Algorithm lead to a dip in traffic as my top-ranked posts fell out of their high positions in organic search results, I am determined to re-work posts in the hopes of giving them a boost.

2. All Old Blog Posts Were Revamped

In 2019, I took on the arduous task of updating over 300 published and drafted blog posts. Not only did this task involve re-writing old posts, shooting new photography, but it also meant revamping and relinking all internal and external content. It took me nearly 4 months to update each old post; however, the payoff was sweet. My blog traffic skyrocketed after completing this tedious and time-consuming project.

3. I Collaborated with Blogging Friends

In 2020, I finally collaborated with some of my favorite beauty bloggers (and friends) from Beautymone, Blushy Darling, and A Woman’s Confidence.

4. Brands Sent Me PR

Although I’ve used Influenster for several years, I never consider this relationship anything more than product testing. Why? Anyone – even average consumers – can sign up to test products through Influenster.

However, in 2020, several brands reached out to me to send me PR. As someone who blogs for the pure love of beauty, receiving PR truly excites me. As a small review-based blogger, it can get quite expensive having to purchase all of my products. To receive products directly from brands not only means that my work is being seen (and valued), but it helps to alleviate some of the pressure to “keep up.”

2020 Failures

1. My Spending Spiraled Out of Control

As businesses in the US (and around the globe) shuttered, brands began a seemingly never-ending sale cycle that lasted from March through December. No brand was immune to this year’s sale cycle – even brands that rarely or never hold sales.

As someone who online shops too frequently and toes the line of makeup buying addiction, I struggled. In fact, shopping became my go-to coping mechanism for dealing with depression and anxiety. Although I’m not proud of my spending, I know that 2021 will be a better year.

2. I Came Up Short on Every Blog-Following Goal

For the second year in a row, I failed to meet any of my follower-based goals. A portion of my failure is attributed to abandoning certain platforms like Twitter and Instagram during some of the most stressful parts of the year. However, I wish I had taken more care.

3. I Barely Read Any Books

I thought that 2020 would be the year that I would read more. However, I actually read fewer books than I did in 2019. Graduate school, work, blogging, and my (now ex) boyfriend consumed the bulk of my free time. Therefore, I opted for mindless content from YouTube or Netflix when I finally had tie to myself.

2020 Disappointments

1. My Boyfriend & I Broke Up

Without a doubt, my breakup is one of the most painful things I’ve ever had to endure. I am aware that I am no the only one to ever deal with heartbreak; however, this year’s breakup still broke me down. During a year where I felt like so much was stacked against me I broke down after losing my best friend and partner. And the pandemic makes coping worse. This breakup was made worse by the facts that I’m isolated from all of my friends and am limited in the activities I can do.

2. I’m Still Living At Home

Although I moved home to save money during graduate school, I always anticipated that I’d be back on my own feet again before the close of 2020. However, 2020 had different plans – both in terms of pay and opportunities.

3. I Developed Allergies & Skin Sensitivities

In 2020, my anxiety reached such a fever pitch that I developed stress-induced skin sensitivity, facial eczema, and food allergies. While my skin sensitivities have since lessened, the sudden food allergies still have me rocking. Moreover, dietary and product sensitivities remain unchanged despite the lessening of my stress.

Final Thoughts on My 2020 Successes & Failures

If you asked me to write about my 2020 Successes & Failures a month ago, I would told you to bug off. However, writing this post proved to be therapeutic as I forced myself to objectively assess my year.

Will 2020 ever be a year that I fondly remember? HELL NO.

Nevertheless, I still accomplished more than I realized. Moreover, despite all of my shortcomings and disappointments I was able to weather the storm and make it through the year. And that is worth celebrating.

---

Did you enjoy reading about my 2020 successes & failures? What were some of your proudest achievements in 2020? Please let me know in the comments below.

2020 successes & failures Blogging failure goals life lifestyle motivation overcoming failure personal self reflection wellness