Almost every blogger on the face of the Earth can relate to putting off writing a blog post for their blog (It is as though they believe that they will find the inspiration for their content creation process at a later date).
The funny thing about us human beings is that we can put off doing something so many times; this results in the task that we were meant to do not getting done at all.
Procrastination, my friend, is a blogger’s worst enemy!
So, we might as well cultivate positive habits ― the kinds of habits that will ensure that we get our quota of blogging done.
Some of you are probably thinking, “Renard, it would be nice if I could stop procrastinating whenever the time for me to create a blog post comes around.”
Guess what?
It is possible for you to stop procrastinating whenever the time for you to create a blog post comes around and I am going to teach you how to do it.
1.) Stop Viewing Blogging As A Chore
It is human nature to procrastinate when it comes to getting our chores done; for example, no one is ever truly elated by the idea of cleaning a dirty house.
The problem is that some of us view blogging as a burdensome chore.
Blogging may appear somewhat difficult for some people. However, if people were to change their entire mindset about blogging; for example, viewing it as something that leads to fun and a strong sense of fulfillment, they would be able to create blog posts every time.
We can work towards believing that blogging is easy and is something that brings us joy by doing the following things:
- Learning the basics of blogging.
- Practicing what we have learned about blogging.
- Challenging ourselves to do better in the area of blogging.
Accomplishing goals makes us feel good about ourselves.
Whereas, the perpetual procrastination of important things (which in this case is blogging) makes us feel bad about ourselves.
2.) By Knowing That There Is No Time Like The Present
Dear friend, the best time to create that draft-copy for your blog post is now.
Why?
Because doing so will help you to create the momentum that you desperately need.
Do keep in mind that:
- A few words can develop into a sentence.
- A few sentences can lead to the development of a paragraph.
- A few paragraphs can grow into a small blog post.
The draft-copy of our blog post has transformed itself into something usable by the implementation of the things that were mentioned above.
So, bloggers should never underestimate the power of writing one word and following the creation process by writing another word after it, etcetera.
If you have an idea for a blog post, I strongly suggest that you start working on it now.
3.) By ‘Getting Into The Zone’
The term, “Getting into the zone, ” refers to one entering a state of mind in which they are deeply focused on a specific task and accomplishing it with ease.
Where I am concerned, I have gotten myself into the zone by listening to electronic dance music on my headphones while I write (The results are magical and this method works for me every time).
Other people may achieve the same results by listening to classical music or country music while they are creating content for their blog (The secret is listening to a genre of music that you like).
Do you ever listen to music when you are writing?
4.) By Searching For Topics In Advance
There is an advantage in searching for topics in advance; that advantage is knowing exactly what it is your blog posts are going to be based on.
Now, that is much better than looking at a blank screen and wondering, “Hmm. What shall I write about today?”
Why should you punish yourself when you can simplify things by planning out your topics?
Also, there is a high probability of you giving up if you do not have topics planned for your blog posts.
Do you ever plan your topics in advance?
5.) By Simply Believing That They Can Get Their Quota Of Blogging Done
It is imperative that you believe that you can always get your quota of blogging done.
Writing blog posts can be a very intimidating experience for a newcomer to blogging.
However, the more you practice your blogging and get yourself accustomed to writing blog posts, is the better you get at it (I can attest to this because I have been blogging for thirteen years).
The better you get at something is the stronger your belief becomes in getting that particular thing done.
6.) By Creating An Editorial Calendar For Their Blog
Utilizing an editorial calendar will help in the area of combating procrastination because it lets the blogger know:
- How often they will be publishing content.
- The times and the dates that their blog posts are due.
- Which blogger will be publishing a specific topic (This method is effective for blogs that have more than one author).
I highly recommend Megan Conley’s article, How to Create an Editorial Calendar [Examples + Templates], for any blogger who has a sincere interest in creating an editorial calendar of their own.
7.) By Having The Willingness To Be There For Their Readers
If you have been blogging for quite some time, you would have acquired subscribers (And, many of them would be eagerly awaiting the arrival of your new blog post).
In my case, people expect to see new blog posts from me on a weekly basis; they know that my blog posts are scheduled to be published every Saturday at 1930 Greenwich Mean Time.
Procrastination is certainly not an option for the blogger who knows fully well that their readers expect to see new content from them on a regular basis.
Wrapping Up
As you have just learned, bloggers can beat their procrastination by doing the following things:
- Ceasing to view blogging as a chore.
- Knowing that there is no time like the present.
- Getting themselves into the zone.
- Searching for their topics in advance.
- Believing that they can always get their quota of blogging done.
- Creating an editorial calendar for their blog.
- Having the willingness to be always there for their readers.
The way I see it is that bloggers can either overcome procrastination or allow procrastination to hinder their blogging (The proverbial ball is in their court).
You’re right! I’m a natural procrastinator which means I don’t end up getting things done, or when I do, it is all very rushed. If anyone sees their blog as a chore, they probably shouldn’t be blogging in the first place or need to take a break. Since I know I’m bad when it comes to procrastination, I write in bulk then schedule the posts or leave them as drafts for the busier days… that’s too too 😉
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🙂 Thank you for sharing that with me, Shelly.
I have not created blog posts in batches in ages (That method can work out fine for the blogger who is a procrastinator).
I have developed the discipline to finish all draft-copies of my blog posts (When it comes to blogging, I have the discipline of a drill sergeant).
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Wow you need to share some of that discipline this way please!!!
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I have literally dozens of drafts, so I’m not at a loss for things to write about. I often get inspired when I’m commenting on other people’s blogs. Sometimes my comments get long, and I realize I have a lot to say on that topic! I reread my comment and think, “Dang, that’s good…!” So I copy and paste it in my drafts to come back to later.
I post once a week, so if I know we have a vacation coming up or something else going on that would make it hard to write, I’ll schedule posts a couple of weeks ahead. Then if I also get inspired during that time and absolutely HAVE to write something, I’ll do it … and stick it in my drafts. 😉
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🙂 Thank you for letting me know how you get your quota of blogging done!
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I like writing while listening to music too, I don’t often do this but it’s interesting how the music can effect the writing.
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🙂 Thank you for your valuable contribution, my friend.
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You’re welcome, Benjamin 🤗💖
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😯 Huh? Who is Benjamin?
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I’m so sorry, Renard! I had just responded to another post and my brain was delayed! 🤯🤗🌷
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🤔 Now, that explains everything. Thank you for clearing that up.
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I just left work and my brain is tired 😴, thanks for understanding💖
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🙂 You are most welcome!
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Never thought of listening to music whilst blogging, will help inspiration!
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😉 It is worth trying.
Thank you for reading and commenting!
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Hi Renard, I have to be in the Zone for most of my writing. I must be excited about the topic and want to share it with my friends. Otherwise, it becomes a chore. And chores are no fun.
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🙂 Thank you for sharing that with me, Lisa.
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I’ve never found writing for my blogs (past and present) to be a chore.
I seem to have posts in advance, scheduled, as well as drafts going. I surprise myself that I still blog as I do.
Yes, I always have an idea knowing when you post and a few others, and I do look forward to them.
Have a lovely weekend.
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🙂 Thank you, Liz.
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I’ve definitely hit a rough patch in terms of blogging. I view it as a chore and I try to delay it as much as possible. I really do appreciate your tips and will use them tomorrow when I release a new post.
All the best!
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🙂 Thank you, Nour.
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I never write nor read without my music on. Whenever i want to be very productive, there has to be music playing.
Thank you so much for the insights Renard. This was worth reading, as i plough forward
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🙂 Thank you for sharing that with me, Precious.
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Renard you are so right. Procrastination can become it’s own hobby, if left unchecked. 😊
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🙂 Indeed, Suzette.
Thank you for reading and commenting, my friend!
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You are most welcome.😊
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Excellent points made, Renard. I believe many reach a lull in their writing and to procrastinate makes it more difficult to get back in the swing. I like to listen to music when I write because it’s inspiring plus it blocks out other distractions. Also, having a comfortable place to write, as I discussed in my previous post on your site – Where Do You Like To Write? https://renardsworld.wordpress.com/2021/01/27/where-do-you-like-to-write/, is important.
If I write posts ahead of time and save them to draft, they are complete and ready to be scheduled or I am waiting for a link to connect to another bloggers event. I can’t write something and leave it in an incomplete state. I’m better off deleting it and starting anew.
Blogging should be fun and not thought of as a chore. It one thinks of blogging as a chore, step back and regroup.
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🙂 Thank you for your valuable input, Eugenia.
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My pleasure, Renard.
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There are so many other things to do during a day that sometimes blogging is put on the back burner for a later time. I need to do better time management, but it is easy said than done.
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🙂 You can put aside a small portion of your free time for drafting your blog posts.
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Depending on the mood I’m in, sometimes I like listening to music while doing my posts and sometimes it distracts me ☺️
Great tips as usual Renard! My procrastination with blogging comes most of the time from not having enough time! Having a schedule I’ve noticed helps me a lot! ☺️
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🙂 Thank you for sharing that with me, Ribana.
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I’d say, follow Hemigway’s advice: start writing anything that comes to your mind, then go back to the beginning and cut the crap.
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🙂 I agree with Ernest Hemingway’s advice, Dolly.
Thank you for your valuable contribution!
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My pleasure, dear Renard.
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Great inspiring tips Renard.
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🙂 Thank you, Sadje.
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You’re welcome 😉
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It may not seem like the case when your visit my blog, but I’m actually a notorious procrastinator. Everything you’ve mentioned has helped me immensely throughout the years. My favorite step is #3. I always listen to a song or score of whatever movie I’m reviewing on loop every time I write.
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🙂 Thank you for sharing that with me, my friend.
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Haha I can relate to this!!!?😂😂
Thanks for the tips 💖💖
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🙂 You are welcome!
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Thank you Renard for these great tips.
Listening to the music as we write the article, is a wonderful way of getting encouraged to get involved in writing.
Human psychology is funny.
Imagine something is due tomorrow, the tendency is to wait till tomorrow because there is plenty of time and things can wait till tomorrow! 😀😀
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🙂 You are welcome, Dr. Sridhar.
Yes, human psychology can be funny at times.
A lot of people are into procrastination.
Why should we put off something that we can do today at a later date?
The problem with putting off things for tomorrow is that we have more on our figurative plate when tomorrow becomes today.
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Thank you so much for these techniques, can’t wait to implement them.
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🙂 Thank you, Tshiamo.
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Yeah only uh need to aware about others also but I like ❤️
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🙂 Thank you for sharing your perspective!
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It’s fine 😂
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Number 4 and 7 is very relatable.
Nice post, Renard.
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🙂 Thank you, my friend.
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My pleasure. 🙂
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I needed this, really😘
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🙂 It is nice to know that you found the information within this post helpful.
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Thank you so much for this post….
Honestly I’m so guilty of procrastinating.
Most times when I find a really interesting topic to write about I just delay it till I forget most of the valuable points in it and when I end up writing it’s rushed😭 I know there is absolutely no excuse even though my head is giving me a bunch of them right now…..
This post was really helpful to me thank you.
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🙂 You are welcome!
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Great piece and you encapsulated most of the challenges new bloggers faced because there is no basic foundation in blogging but as time goes on as you rightly said “willingness”.
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🙂 Thank you for reading and commenting!
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You’re soo right!! Thank you for the tips♥♥
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🙂 You are most welcome!
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Top quality post Renard.
Excellent tips and observations.
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🙂 Thank you, Rory!
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Some great tip here to fight blogging procrastination. Committing to posting for your readers is a good one. Great Post!
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🙂 Thank you!
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This is very true. I can be in the zone and write one after another but then I leave them half finished and have to get back into the zone again which can take ages. If I just make my sled sit down more often I will have loads to post
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🙂 Thank you for sharing that with me, Janine.
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Great suggestions!
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🙂 Thank you, Dr. Bhambu.
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