On January 1st, 2011, I began the annual practice of blogging a personal review. It’s a good way to reflect on the previous year, review your goals, and determine how to improve for the upcoming year. This practice dovetails with your sweepstakes hobby because it needs to fit your life and lifestyle.

What were my 2024 goals?

BOOKS: I had the crazy idea of publishing a book a month, including Prizes, Prizes, Everywhere! as You Can’t Win If You Don’t Enter was published in 2008. How To Win Cash Cars Trips & More! was published in 2016. It would have followed that trend; my third sweepstakes book would be published eight years later.

As I purchased 10 books and five audio series from Tag Powell, I decided I would publish as many books as possible, believing if I focused on various editions (Audible, translated, and paperbacks), I could pull it off.

WEBSITE: My webmaster has had plans to revamp Contest Queen for over a year and knows the Words For Winning website needs to be finished. (It’s functional but not pretty.)

CONTENT CREATION: I am taking a YouTube course to improve my video skills. Also, watch my events calendars as I book more guests for With The Contest Queen and Words of Wisdom.

THE SILVA METHOD: Helene worked with Jose Silva, Tag was a Silva Instructor, and I’m republishing a Silva Method-based book this year (spoiler alert: my 2024 goals!). I am currently training to become a Silva Instructor. Stay tuned to my Words For Winning social channels to follow my progress.

What happened?

I did … OK. I didn’t accomplish what I set out to do. Some were procrastination. Some were impossible. Some weren’t funded.

BOOKS: I dragged my heels on Prizes, Prizes, Everywhere! I don’t know why. I have made it my #1 priority for 2025. After it is complete, I will work on The Sliva Method of Mind Mastery.

I published the Audible edition of A Man Called Friday and am almost finished recording Confessions of an 83-Year-Old Sage. (It should be published in February 2025.) 

I have also published En Contacto Con Otros Reinos, Un Hombre Llamado Viernes, and Money & You in paperback and ebook formats.

So, I published four and got most of the way through a fifth publication. It’s a far cry from 12, but still pretty good.

WEBSITE: This was the goal that wasn’t funded. I spoke to my webmaster over the holidays, and we will begin revamping Contest Queen (an entirely new site map!) and the zhuzhing of Words For Winning. I am excited about this goal because I believe the better layout and navigation will help people maximize their winning experience, whether it is learning to improve their mindset or luck.

CONTENT CREATION: I didn’t complete the YouTube course. I just need to do it in between writing, even if it’s 20 minutes a day. That said, I did book some great guests on both YouTube channels. Watch my events calendars as I book more guests for With The Contest Queen and Words of Wisdom in 2025.

THE SILVA METHOD: Helene worked with Jose Silva, Tag was a Silva Instructor, and I’m republishing a Silva Method-based book this year; it only made sense for me to get my Instructor certification. I completed the training but realized I hadn’t taken the course the required number of times. In addition to assisting with the Toronto program, I took The Silva Method once in Toronto, Ontario, and once in Farmington, Connecticut. I also took Silva Manifesting and Silva Mastery. The next step is to connect with Silva International to get the official certificate.

What about my hobby?!?!

I was busy in 2024 and have yet to master the balance between running three businesses (writing, marketing, administration, traveling, etc.), home and family with entering daily, consistently. I teach that to win consistently, you must enter consistently. It’s not rocket science. Let’s see if I can find that balance in 2025 because I love winning and sharing my prizes.

I was also too busy to complete my Wins Tracking Spreadsheet. (Scroll down to download your FREE copy.)

What about you?

Now is your chance to reflect on your life and hobby. Look at what worked, what didn’t, and what you won in 2024. It’s only then you know if you can stay the course or if you should pivot for 2025. As you can see by my review and goals, I have had to do just that.

What steps are you taking to ensure you have a lucky year?