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09/21/18 post featured image

What To Do When You’re Lacking Motivation To Blog

Can we all agree that we’ve had those days (or weeks) where we just can’t seem to get anything done?

You need to work on your blog. Your to-do list is growing.

But still, you lack the energy and motivation to really do anything worthwhile.

So you waste your time on social media and checking your stats just to make yourself seem busy. But in reality, you’d rather be sitting on the couch watching a good movie instead of pretending to work.

Oh yeah.

That’s been my week.

Honestly, I almost fell asleep on the couch this morning when I was trying to do my morning reading. It was an hour after I woke up and I was already exhausted from doing nothing.

So I figured it was the perfect time to write a blog post about what to do when you are lacking motivation. Because I’ve been using at least 1 of these tips every day for the past week to keep me going.

So let’s do this together! I might need your help on this one.

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8 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU’RE LACKING MOTIVATION TO BLOG

Whenever I’m unmotivated, there are a few things that happen…

I start to check all of my stats and analytics to make myself seem like I’m being productive. 

I feel tired and start jumping from task to task because nothing can keep my focus.

And worst of all, I forget whatever’s on my todo list and just start wasting my time on tasks that actually don’t need to get done.

It’s bad.

But whenever I notice those things are happening, I know it’s time to remotivate myself.

Here are some things you can do whenever you get in this situation.




1. Make a to-do list

I’m going to start with an easy one.

Because one of the reasons why we can become unmotivated is because we lack direction. Sometimes we just need to see what needs to get done so we can actually work on things that push us and our blogs forward.

I like to start every morning by making a list of things that need to get done that day. And I start with only 3 big projects. If I can get those done, I’m happy.

But when I’m really lacking motivation, I like to make big to-do lists.

Things that need to get done over the next week, 2 weeks or month. 

This tends to get me excited for what’s to come and excited to get some work done.

The best part about to-do lists is that they give you a set list of things to do. When your lacking motivation and creativity, let your to-do list be your guide!

And stick to it! There is no point in working on tasks that actually don’t need to get done. NO POINT!

RELATED: How To Prioritize Your Time As A Blogger To Get More Done

Big Plans productivity guide & 6 month planner by Cathrin Manning with The Content Bug

2. Move to a new location

This is seriously the best thing that I can do for myself when I’m feeling unmotivated.

Typically if you’ve been stuck in the same place for way too long, it’s going to drain the energy right out of you. And you need to find a way to receive some high vibrations to get you moving again!

The best thing you can do is to mix up your work location.

It’s great to have an office in your home, but sometimes you might need to work from the couch. Or the patio. Or your bed!

A change of scenery even in your own home can make a big difference.

But if you notice that you’re really low energy and you need something to boost your mood, then I recommend heading to a local coffee shop or co-work space.

These places are filled with energy from other people, caffeine, and just movement in general. When these high vibes meet with your current mood, it should do nothing but good for you and your workflow!

RELATED: The (Ugly) Truth About Working From Home

3. Work on something different

Sometimes the thing we are working on is taking all of our energy. And in that case, you need to take a step back and work on something different.

I know you need to get done what’s on your to-do list. And typically I would say that it’s best to work on 1 project until that project is complete. BUTTTT sometimes, that’s just not an option.

If you’re working on a boring task that seems to be sucking your soul, MOVE ON!

Pick something else on your to-do list that you can get done.

And even better, if you’re really lacking motivation, do a task that you can get done in the next 10 minutes to a half an hour.

You’ll feel accomplished for crossing something off your list and that should bring you the energy you need to keep going!




4. Move your body

Okay. I always heard that exercise had a direct effect on your mood and work ethic, but I didn’t really believe it until I recognized it first hand.

For a few years, I would only work out when I wanted to. Which was about once a week. Maybe once a month.

But this past year I started to work out regularly. I first set a goal to work out 4 times a week. But once I noticed the difference in my mood and productivity, I made it part of my routine to move my body at least once a day.

Seriously, look at the research. And if you don’t believe the research then try it out for yourself.

Working out decreases your stress levels, it helps to release endorphins to boost your mood, and it helps you feel more relaxed. 

It’s really more than just wanting that smokin’ hot bod.

So try it out.

The next time you are lacking the motivation to work, get up from your desk and do a few squats or push-ups. Take a walk around the block during lunch. Or just get your butt to the gym.

Your mind will thank you for it. Trust me.

RELATED: Why I Invest First In My Wellness Then In My Business

5. Drink more water

I feel like every time you read an article about losing weight or improving your overall health, whether that’s mental or physical, they talk about drinking water.

And here I am including it as a tip to improve your motivation.

Water is extremely important to help us function regularly. So drink more water!

I’m an extreme water person. Meaning I have to have water on me at all times or I feel lost!

I’m not kidding.

I drink a lot of water during the day. Because when I don’t my brain starts to get a little foggy. And when that happens, it’s all downhill from there with my work ethic.

So keep a water bottle or a large cup of water on your desk at all times. 

You should be drinking at least 72oz of water a day. But it really all depends on how active you are, your weight, and some other science stuff that I know nothing about.

So drink up my friend!

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6. Take a break! ... seriously

I’m not talking about scrolling through social media or watching an episode of TV.

If you are lacking the motivation to work on your blog, then take a break from the digital world.

Read a book. Go for a walk. Fold your laundry. 

Do something that’s semi-brainless but will allow you to recharge so you can work again.

Scrolling through social media can actually make you feel more drained even if you’re just sitting on the couch doing it. And watching a TV show doesn’t allow you to reset your mind because you are so focused on the storyline.

So take a real break. Even if that means doing the dishes. 

It will be good for you. And you might be able to cross a nagging task off your to-do list.

RELATED: What I Learned From Only Working 4 Hours Days for 1 Month

7. Do something creative & outside of the box

You start a blog because you thought it would be fun right?

Well even though blogging is a lot of work, it can still be fun! So don’t forget to have some fun with it every now and then.

When you’re in a rut, do something creative.

Take some Instagram pictures. Shoot a video. Draw a picture.

Redesign your Pinterest graphics. Do your nails.

It doesn’t really even have to relate to your blog. It just needs to be something that will get your creative juices flowing!

And if it lets you step a little bit outside of your comfort zone… DO IT!

Creativity is a great way to boost your mood and get you feeling fine to work again.

But creativity is different for everyone. And if you aren’t typically a creative person, then think about it in a way of doing something that excites you.

It certainly doesn’t have to be something artistic.




8. Diffuse essential oils

I first got into essential oils in March. And since then, I’ve fallen in love with them.

I start every morning by defusing essential oils to help improve my mood, work ethic, creativity, or maybe even find peace in my spiritual life.

I’m all about the meanings behind essential oils because I honestly believe that they can provide some real benefits to us just by defusing them in our environment.

Some of my favorite oils to diffuse in my office are Grapefruit, Lemon, Awaken, Envision, Peppermint, and Thieves. 

Honestly, I love all of my oils, but these are the ones that I continue to go for time and time again.

If you are brand new to essential oils, I would recommend looking into the benefits of essential oils. And then I would recommend that you check out Young Living.

Get your Young Living starter kit today!

They are the only oils that I use and I 100% believe in them.

I’ve got a collection started at this point and I don’t think it’s going to stop any time soon.

Being a consistent blogger can be hard! Especially when you're focused on creating high-quality blog posts each week. That's why it's important to stay motivated in your blog and find ways to motivate yourself to blog. Here are 8 things you can do the next time you feel unmotivated to work.

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS

There may be a point where none of these things work. When you start to think that you’re a lost cause because you can’t get out of your rut.

That’s when you have to just listen to your body and your gut and do what’s right for you.

You might have overworked yourself and your body is telling you to take a break. To slow down and to just stop working.

You don’t always have to be go go go. And you certainly don’t need to be hustling more than humanly possible because you think it’s the only way your blog is going to grow.

RELATED: 6 Tips To Avoid Blogger Burnout

You can grow your blog with ease. You just need to be in the right mindset and have the right resources to do it.

So take a break. Sit back and relax. You deserve it.

And whenever you’re ready to start working on your blog again, it will be there waiting for you.

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KEEP READING…

stop comparing your hustle to others Want to learn how to become a full-time blogger? Well, the online world is hard. And creating your success online is even harder. But if you are determined to work hard and chase your dreams, then it's time that you learn how to transform your blog into a full-time business in just 5 steps! Learn more about blogging and how to monetize your passion at thecontentbug.com! #bloggingbasics #growyourblog #fulltimeblogger


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Cathrin (Cath) creates content that encourages bloggers & online entrepreneurs to be themselves, chase their passion, and create their success online. 1 year after started her blog (TheContentBug.com), Cath left her full-time position working in the digital marketing industry to pursue her dreams of being her own boss. In weekly blog posts, sporadic YouTube videos, and constant talking on Instagram stories, Cath hopes to spread her story and be an inspiration to others who desperately want to change their lives.

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