I've recently found myself in such a big blogging rut, that I began to question myself as a blogger. There are weeks where I am chock full of ideas, and there are weeks where I am completely unmotivated and can not bear to sit down and write a blog post. I know you guys can probably relate to this feeling, especially if you're blogging while working full time like I am. It is easy to fall into a blogging rut while trying to maintaining everyday life, stay motivated, and come up with fresh content for your blog.
As I motivate myself to return to blogging, I decided to share how I handle my lack of blogging motivation and what it takes me to get out of a blogging rut.
1. Accept It
Accept that you are in a blogging rut. There’s no use in beating yourself up or forcing yourself to pump out content when your heart isn't in it - most of the time your readers can tell when something isn't right.2. Take Some Time Off from Blogging
Allow yourself to have some time off. Try to find a break somehow, even if it is something simple that you enjoy. Once I accept that I’m in a funk, I usually give myself some time off where I think about everything BUT blogging. My normal blogging time is consumed with catching up on TV shows, meeting up with friends, listening to podcasts, painting, and anything else that will keep me busy and keep my mind occupied.3. Plan Ahead
While breaks are always needed, make sure to keep to your usual blogging schedule by scheduling your posts for social media and your blog. If that is not an option, announce your short break to your audience.
4. Switch it Up
Sometimes all you need to do to get your creative juices flowing is experience new things. Change your scenery, move around your furniture, take a class, switch up your morning routine, explore a new part of town, find ways to switch up your routine and you will see a spike in your creativity. Be adventurous, try something new. - you may get an idea for a post or two!5. Search for Inspiration
Whenever I'm in a creative slump I love to find new blogs to read, new podcasts to listen to, new TV shows and movies to watch, I flip through magazines and search for inspiration everywhere!6. Ask for Ideas
If you're thinking about going in a new direction with your blog or blog content, ask your readers for their opinion. Can't think of any new blog posts or topics? ASK YOUR READERS!7. Stay Active on Social Media
Engage with your audience and post content on your social media networks. It keeps you in touch with your readers and is also a source of inspiration. Plus it is way easier to post on social media than to write an entire blog post.8. Be Positive & Start Small
Remember that it's never too late to start blogging again! Start off with a plan to spend 10 minutes per day on blogging tasks and you'll eventually get back in to the swing of things.
Here are a few blog related tasks to get you started:
- Check e-mails
- Clean out your mailbox
- Respond to comments
- Tweak your blog design
- Brainstorm post ideas
- Promote links to old posts
- Organize your pinterest boards
- Draft blogs for some of your old post ideas
- Reach out to bloggers for possible collaborations
- Instagram an old picture or a quote
Have you tried any of these ideas? How do you deal with blogging ruts?
As always, thanks for reading!
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