Blogging is a tough gig. Many may not think so – to the ill-informed, it might look like bloggers spend our days posing in sunlit meadows and coffee shops, occasionally writing a few words about our new Jeffrey Campbell Litas or Twitpic-ing the cupcake we’re eating. In reality the majority of bloggers are 9-5ers or busy students, with stressful jobs, looming deadlines and bills to pay. Blogging is mostly a spare time pastime, and regular posting means stringent time management, the loss of a social life and some epic motivation.
So what happens when you feel your motivation slipping? An outfit first…
Next sweater, Topshop blazer via charity shop, Matalan jeans and heels, vintage bag, Primark ring, Zara Taylor necklace
Demotivation is like a grey cloud hanging over your inspiration. It spreads quickly, seeping into every aspect of your life. One minute you can’t be bothered to go to the gym and the next, you’re struggling to find a solid reason for going to work. All those things that make blogging so addictive – the community, the chance to write about things you love, the feedback – seem less like a pleasure and more like a chore when you’re demotivated.
There are lots of things that contribute to a lack of motivation – a case of writer’s block that you just can’t clear, for example. Struggles at work or with studies. Stress. But the hardest part of feeling demotivated is knowing that no one can pull you out, but you. And it’s all too easy to push that out of your mind, save your half-hearted attempt at a post in drafts and watch another episode of Gossip Girl instead.
Battling with motivation is akin to swimming against the tide. Distractions and excuses pull you away from your goal (Q: Just how many times can you refresh your Facebook News Feed in an hour? A: 34.) and pushing against them takes a concerted effort. You’ll probably find yourself as the guest of honour at your very own pity party too – “why should I bother with my blog? No one reads it. Everyone else is better than me. Woe, etc”. But is that it? Will your blog become a forgotten wasteland, tumbleweed blowing over your perfectly poised outfits and carefully crafted prose?
I hope not. You (and I) have worked too hard to let that happen. So we’re going to sit up, flex our fingers, and write a post. And not just a few lines and some photos from We Heart It. Take to Twitter (or the streets if you’re old school) and ask for inspiration. Read your favourite blogs and leave comments that express your opinions. Research, rewrite and refine until you’ve found your groove and you’re filling it with words, images and ideas.
Most of all, don’t give up. I won’t, and I hope you won’t either.
How do you get motivated? What drives you? And what are your tips for recapturing a passion? Share your thoughts in the comments.
