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I’ve had a nasty case of writers block lately. I’m not really sure if that’s the right way to look at it though. I have ideas. I have things to say. I just haven’t felt like writing.
I had high hopes of blogging like a mad woman this year; having an editorial calendar and really sticking to a schedule. But, it’s only February and I feel like I’m on my way to having a sketchy blog year, just like early last year. I refuse to let myself settle. Here are some things I’m doing, or have done, to kick things back into gear. Hopefully, my thoughts will help motivate someone else as well.
Remember Your Mission
Think back to why you started.
As we grow and learn as bloggers, we tend to want to try new things and go in different directions. If you don’t have a mission statement I highly suggest you spend time developing one so that you never lose sight of why you’re doing what you’re doing in the first place. Even use that as a post idea and expand upon how you plan to stick to your purpose. I believe if you stay true to yourself and true to your audience you can’t go wrong.
Read Other Sites
Look to other blogs (and bloggers) for motivation and encouragement.
When I’m in a rut I spent a lot of time reading other blogs, commenting and catching up on things I’ve missed when I get a bit too absorbed in my on site. Reading other blogs really motivate me to continually contribute, and they encourage me to think big. I see similar bloggers who work a full time job and have a family as well, yet they still manage to keep their space going. Seeing others do it helps me to realize that I can do it too.
Take a Break
Take a formal break when necessary, for your sanity, then come back stronger than ever.
Try not to be too hard on yourself during those seasons when you feel like you need to take a step back and reevaluate. I think blog breaks are so important. They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Leaving your space for a bit can leave you feeling refreshed. Usually, you come back to your blog feeling rejuvenated, as if you’re starting a blog for the first time, and that tends to be exactly what you need to get back into the thick of it.
Remember Where You’re Going
Think about what you hope to accomplish with your space and continually strive to achieve any goals that you have set.
I started this space as a SAHM to give myself a place to pour my heart, and time, into besides just my family and home. It’s proven to be such a great outlet and I cherish the friendships I’ve made through this space. I’ve also come to love the opportunities that have presented itself because of my blog. I’m able to help pay down our debt bit by bit through the extra money I make through blogging, and that’s a big deal. I currently bring in between $100-$300 per month through this space and it’s a goal of mine to increase that by the end of this year. However, I always want to stay true to why I started this blog in the first place. Therefore, I can’t do that if I’m not producing great content, consistently. So I’ve created a plan to reach my goals that consists of a heavy focus on creating quality content that’s relevant, informative and shareable.
Keep Moving Forward
Never give up.
When you feel like no one is reading. When you’re writing for no one but yourself. Never, ever give up. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged, but usually those feelings are only temporary. Just like anything else, blogging has its phases. Time of plentiful writing, opportunities and growth. But there may also be time when you feel like you’re alone. Take time to recognize the season that you’re in at any given time so that you can make the necessary adjustments to stay motivated. Remember that your take matters. Your ideas matter. Your voice matters! Never give up and keep moving forward!
There are so many other things that can be done to help you to refocus when you’re in a slump, Hopefully the ideas listed above will give you a good starting point. Spend time finding what works for you when you need motivation. I’d love to hear what others do to stay motivated. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Find joy,
We all need these reminders and Item#1 is key to my life. And, we have to keep moving forward because time waits for no one. Thanks!!
Thanks for sharing these great tips! I have a goal of remaining consistent this year. I am doing good so far. I hope you are able to reach your goals this year.
Great tips! I think blogging has its ebbs and flows like everything else. There are times when I'm super into it and there are times when I'm like 'meh', LOL! Good luck this year with everything you want to accomplish!
An awesome post & much needed. Thank you for the encouragement. Keep writing; we're reading 🙂 Blessings!