Eight Ways to Overcome a Lack of Motivation as a Blogger

We all go through phases where motivation is a problem. It can be particularly difficult for a blogger, as we have neither colleagues nor a boss to help to get us going when we’re struggling. Here are some quick tips to give you a motivational boost when you’re feeling low.

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1/ Empty Your Inbox

The first thing that goes awry when we’re down is email. We let it build and build with things we’re going to deal with “later.” So, put everything else aside and clear it all out. If it needs no action, bin it. If it needs a reply, do it, then bin it. If it needs you to do something else, add that to your to do list and then bin the email!

There are few things more satisfying than an empty inbox!

Tip: For general email on a day to day basis, adopt a new procedure. Handle an email only once. if you’re scanning the mails first, then going back to them you’re wasting time. Adopt the principles above every time you visit your inbox and it will be empty more often.

2/ Revisit Popular Posts

You know which posts are your most read? So go back and read them again. Maybe update them a little as well. These are the posts that your readers have loved, so try to recapture the feelings you had when you wrote them. Maybe it will even inspire you to write a follow up along similar lines.

3/ Create a graph of your visit stats

Create a spreadsheet showing visitors and page views, then turn it into a graph. Assuming you’ve been working at your blog, it’s likely to be an upward trend. Print it off and post it above your desk somewhere.

4/ Create a visual display of your objectives

You have objectives for your blog, don’t you? What’s the pay off if you hit them? Is it money? Is it fame? Is it a book deal? Whatever it is, try to create something visual which will remind you each time you sit down why you’re doing it. Maybe design the cover of your first book, or use a photo of the car you want to buy, or a photo of you on the beach with your Apple laptop. Again, stick in front of your desk.

5/ Contact some friends

Even the smallest of blogs quickly builds up a loyal subscriber base. Why not email them and let them know you’re struggling? You’ll probably get some fantastic affirmations about why you should keep going.

6/ Invest in some training

Sign up with one of the blogging courses out there – you know which ones are good. Yes, you’ll benefit from the training, but I’ve found the greatest benefit of them is the community that builds up around them. They all have forums for members, and you’ll find yourself with a whole support network of new friends, and new people visiting and commenting on your blog.

7/ Get your partner involved

Somehow get your partner involved in what you’re doing. Maybe he or she can write a guest post for you? Maybe take over the stats? Sell some advertising? Hunt for good photos to use with your blog posts? Blogging is much more fun when you’re sharing the experience.

8/ Go out and get a life!

I’ve left this until last, but it is the most important. There have been periods in my early days as a blogger when I worked 16 and 17 hour days. That isn’t good for anyone, and although you can get through a quantity of stuff, the quality falls. But you also need stimulus as a writer, and you won’t generally get that at your desk. So make sure you have a full and interesting life outside of blogging. it doesn’t need to cost lots of money – even making a sandwich and getting into the fresh air for an hour at lunchtime will help.

What would you add to this list?

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