This week’s question for the Blogging Barista is one I get asked all the time:

I’ve started a blog but I’m having trouble keeping my momentum going. Do you have any tips to help me stay motivated?

I can relate, dear blogger! Even bloggers who have an endless stash of ideas struggle to keep up the pace.

You’ve probably heard that if you don’t post regularly, readership will drop off.

You heard correctly.

If you don’t update your blog three times per week, you’ll see a significant decrease in traffic.

The problem with many (most?) bloggers is that they view blogging as a sprint, rather than a marathon. And blogging is definitely a marathon. If you’re serious about blogging, you’ve got to commit to producing fresh content day after day, week after week, year after year.

Every marathoner knows that rest and relaxation are critical to the training regimen. That’s why I’m staunchly committed to taking at least one day a week away from my blogs, away from my computer, away from any enticing electronic devices. For me, a day off (or two… or three) re-invigorates me for the next round of blogging. My long-term mental health is worth more to me than a small, temporary drop in readership.

Success magazine suggests five additional tips for staying motivated:

1. Write out your goals and refer to them often. (I like this! A goal-less blog is a lifeless blog.)
2. Exercise – it revs up your energy level. (My fave form of exercise is rollerblading. I draft blog posts in my head while getting a great aerobic workout.)
3. Imagine something you’d like to be doing when you finish your project and make the task a priority. (Rewarding myself for completing a blog post is a great motivator.)
4. Keep a photo of your goal in a place where you will see it often. (I’m going to tape up a photo of you — my readers!)
5. Sleep – six to eight hours of sleep per night fuels inspiration, clarity, and helps maintain healthy eating. (I’m a light sleeper so this is a struggle. But I vow to sleep more.)

Readers: What’s your single, best tip for staying motivated to blog?

Source:
Success magazine April/May 2008