Friday, March 11, 2011

How to Motivate yourself to Blog and Find the Right Topic

Less than a month ago, after reading thousands of blogs, I entered the realm of writing my own blog. When I made that decision, the world as I knew it changed. Writing a blog is a commitment, not to one’s self but to followers and potential followers. I quickly found out that it takes “grit” to develop an interesting blog several times a week, or every day as in my case. Developing a way to motivate oneself to the craft of writing is probably one of the most difficult things – after topic.

Photobucket

I have a term for the prolific or would be prolific blogger, “blog mode.” I begin every day in blog mode. Because it’s quiet and I get up early, this is the best time for me to write a blog. I rarely promote my Etsy shop (exclusively) and only use Treasuries when I’m just worn out from the week – I call this my cop-out day (but that’s just me).

It’s not easy to get into “blog mode” so I have developed an exercise that works for me. Instead of wracking my brain about a topic and dragging myself to the computer to compose, I know from the time I get up in the morning that I am going to write a blog. My routine does not vary because I have made the commitment to my followers and to myself; “today” I will blog.

Photobucket

While having my first cup of coffee, I sit quietly and simply look around my living room. I carefully look around at the different objects and think, blog. I continue to look around and think blog and ponder whatever object my eyes rest on. I let my mind and thoughts wonder all the while thinking blog. Finding a topic as any blogger will attest is an arduous task; and as I continue to let my mind wander, a topic, or several will simply pop into my head. At this point I don’t dash to the computer. I finish my coffee, keep looking around, let my mind completely wonder, and dismiss a handful of topics that just come to me.

I maintain that having a great topic is the motivation for blogging. Some people only blog a few times a week, some everyday. But if you have a great topic every single day of the week, you’ll blog every day of the week (time permitting). It’s kind of like having cake; if there’s some left in the fridge, you’ll have it for breakfast!

Putting pressure on oneself to find a topic is no way to motivate oneself to write a blog. Rather, make it easy as eating cake. Make the commitment, whatever commitment you are comfortable with. Pick a time that is best for you to write, and don’t vary from that time if at all possible. Let your mind simply wonder, and as you do think the word blog - but not so hard as to push other thoughts out of your brain. In my case after a month of using this exercise I have observed that it only takes me two or three “thoughts” of the word “blog” until my mind rests and begins a creative thinking process.

While I can’t guarantee my method of creative thinking and motivational processes, I can guarantee that once the commitment is made its part of our lives, and one that will continue. It is said that it takes 27 days for something to become habit…try it for 27 days and see if my “blog mode” works.


Please don't forget to stop by my CremeMagnolia Etsy Store and check out the 25% discount sale!


Photobucket

10 comments:

  1. I also started my blog as recently as the beginning of this year.
    I find that it's totaly addictive.
    I have to conciously tell myself to get out of 'blog mode' because whatever I see I want to blog about. (But for me it's always pictures and things I find pretty.)
    And, yes, it's like having a baby: your world is never the same again.......

    ReplyDelete
  2. I strive to post a blog a day but I want them to be meaningful and engaging - not blogging just for blogs sake.
    The best method I've found is if I feel like writing 5 blogs at once, I will! I'll just use the 'schedule' function to have them upload daily. That's really helped maintain a quality blog and steady postings for me.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love that screaming woman picture! I admire your discipline and " blog mode " mind set!

    I think I'd be hard pressed to come up with a blog topic every day.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I try to post everyday, so far the kiddos have been quite an inspiration. I don't often have to look beyond the house for a topic to post about:)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I usually post everyday, but I do schedule a lot of my posts. Sometimes I am in the mood and I will write 3 blog posts in one sitting, other days I don't feel like it. I love having the option to schedule!

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is a wonderful post! I love reading your blog and think you are doing an amazing job. We have a very similar routine. After waking up, I spend some time reading my email and printing orders out. At that time my husband takes our sweet dog for a long walk. I have the house to myself and I write. I set the intention that the blog topic will just come to me. I usually base it on something that I'm feeling at that moment. If I have a brain freeze - I started a list of possible topics that I can go to.
    It's a great practice, and I'm glad we've each made it into a habit! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great post!! I've been blogging steadily since 2007 and LOVE it. Sometimes I have to sit down and force out a blog post - but mostly, if I have something to say, I write, and if not, I just wait for something :) As I am a blogging addict and I love to talk, talk, talk, there is rarely a time when I don't have something to say. haha. But passion is everything, I think. Blogger who LOVE what they're blogging about show their passion, and that is what draws the reader, I find!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wonderful post! I'm more of a late night blog poster after I'm finished with my day and relaxing in front of the tv I write a post for the following day. Like you I use treasuries on the days I just can't think of something else but I try my best to keep all the other posts interesting or useful.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank all of you for your kind and insightful posts! My "blog mode" stems from being the consummate procrastinator! Always been that way, always will be!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Great post! I love what you said about having cake in the fridge and eating it for breakfast. Thanks for making me smile!

    ReplyDelete

Tell me what's on your mind!