Most often we start blogging because we feel called to it and the work of it is fun. But sometimes life gets busy and time becomes precious and blogging begins to feel like work. Bloggers can burnout too. Let’s chat about getting back on track when you’ve lost your blogging way.
I seem to go through seasons with blogging. I will keep my goals and vision right in front of me, they energize me and I go after them with full steam. Then life happens and family comes first and blogging loses its gusto for me. Blogging can begin to feel like a chore and one that I dread rather than the fulfilling thing is started out as.
So how does a blogger get back on track? Here are 5 tips to help you out:
1. Pray
Seek God first. Pray and ask Him for renewed direction and ask Him if you need to take a break to rest. Psalms 139:3 in the NLT says:
“You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am.”
You may be in a season of resting and that’s okay. While you are in that season you can still ask God for wisdom and direction for your blogging. Ask Him to remind you why He put it on your heart to start. Ask Him how to make room for it and to provide you with the time and resources you need to do it successfully according to His will for you.
2. Be patient with yourself and your seasons.
If blogging is not your full or even part time job, then chances are you are just finding small amounts of time to set aside for it. Life can be unpredictable and get in the way of this time during certain seasons. Give yourself lots of grace and don’t compare yourself with other bloggers who are in a different season. Perhaps their life gives them the time and space for writing right now and yours doesn’t. It’s always okay to learn from others but don’t follow them to a place that is outside of God’s will for you. <—-Tweet this
Perhaps you could switch to micro blogging and share smaller parts of life with your readers by posting on Twitter or Facebook or just let your readers know that you need some time and will be back. They are probably more gracious with you than you are with yourself.
3. Remember why you started
Answer this question: Why did you start blogging? This will often help you gain perspective and recharge you to keep at it.
4. Take time to dream
Nothing gets me back in the blogging groove faster than spending time dreaming for my online space. Grab a notebook and pen and write down what your dreams are for your space. Don’t inhibit yourself in this. Dream freely and wildly. God is in the dream fulfilling business and can do exceedingly and abundantly more that you could ask for. So dream, BIG, and then boldly ask Him for it. If you’ve already taken the time to seek Him first then your heart is already in the right place. Keep on seeking and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.
If you are at a loss then let God do the dreaming for you. Ask Him why He has you blogging and if He would show you His dreams for your space. Then ask that His will be done.
5. Don’t aim for perfection, just excellence.
Sometimes we burnout because we aim for perfection. Since perfection, or near perfection, is impossible, we wait to do anything we have thought of or dreamt of. Instead do everything with excellence – do your best and do it as unto the Lord but remember that you have weaknesses, limitations and are loved just as you are. Be okay with your limits and resources and move forward.
Do you have a tendency to compare where you are in your blogging journey to where another blogger is? What one step can you take today to get back on the path that God has just for you?
Love, Kristin of The Beautiful Deep
Barbie says
August 27, 2013 at 1:12 amThis is a great article, which comes at a perfect time for me, as I strive to keep blogging while writing my first e-book. Thank you!
Kristin says
August 27, 2013 at 8:39 amCan’t wait to hear about your eBook Barbie! I’m praying for you as you balance the two. Blessings, Kristin
Diane Bailey says
August 27, 2013 at 8:25 amGirl, did I need this! Thank you for the encouragement!
Kristin says
August 27, 2013 at 8:40 amYou’re so welcome Diane! I can only speak to it because I’ve been there (am there). Blessings, Kristin
Kirsten @ One Tough Mother says
August 27, 2013 at 9:10 amI just mentioned to a few of my close blog friends yesterday that I’m starting to feel burned out with my blog, and might need a break. THANK YOU for these words! Gotta love God’s perfect timing 🙂
Kristin says
August 27, 2013 at 4:53 pmHi Kirsten, You are so welcome. I completely understand and could only write this out of experience with the burnout feelings. May you be blessed and you seek the path that is right for you. Love, Kristin
Jennifer Sikora says
August 27, 2013 at 9:51 amThis is the second time today I have seen something about not being perfect but being excellent. Thanks for the reminder. Time to get back to the drawing board.
Kristin says
August 27, 2013 at 4:52 pmHi Jennifer, Isn’t it just like God to hit us on multiple sides with encouragement? Love that! I pray you are blessed as you “get back to the drawing board.” Love, Kristin
Joell Morris says
August 27, 2013 at 10:06 amGreat post! I definitely go through seasons with blogging. Just back from a summer hiatus, in fact. Thanks for the encouragement and advice!
Kristin says
August 27, 2013 at 4:51 pmHi Joell, Thank you. May your reentry into blogging be blessed! Love, Kristin
Laila says
August 27, 2013 at 10:08 amThanks for the reminder to practice patience. There have been times where I’ve looked up and noticed that it’s been weeks since I’ve posted. I’ve gotten frustrated, but then realize that I’ve been busy living life and when it’s time for me to write, the words will come.
Kristin says
August 27, 2013 at 4:49 pmHi Laila! Yes, and what does the stress and worry get us about not posting? Nothing. Be blessed as you seek to be balanced and seek God first. Love, Kristin
Susan Rinehart Stilwell says
August 27, 2013 at 10:11 amGreat advice, Kristin. Especially giving yourself permission to take a break. I learned that lesson this summer and will incorporate it into my schedule next year. It really does make a big difference!
Kristin says
August 27, 2013 at 4:47 pmHi Susan, Doesn’t it though?! Intentional breaks are even better than ones caused by burnout. Blessings, Kristin
Jenn at a Simple Haven says
August 27, 2013 at 3:55 pmLove this, Kristin! Perfect timing, as I was just feeling a bit like I’d lost vision for my blog. Took time to dream a bit today and you’re so right–it was really refreshing.
I think I also need to take a realistic look at my family’s current schedule and see if maybe I should cut back a little on blogging time during this very full season of life.
Kristin says
August 27, 2013 at 4:46 pmHi Jenn, I’m so glad it was timely. I peeked at your blog and it’s lovely! Blessings as you seek the balance that is right for you and your family. Love, Kristin
Mary Bonner says
August 27, 2013 at 8:18 pmSuch great advice and perfect timing! Thanks Kristen!!
Kristin says
August 27, 2013 at 10:26 pmYou’re welcome Mary! Love, Kristin
Jill Monaco says
August 27, 2013 at 9:14 pmThis is so practical and inspirational … thanks for putting your wisdom down for us all to be blessed from.
Kristin says
August 27, 2013 at 10:29 pmThanks Jill! I appreciate your encouragement. Love, Kristin
christie elkins. says
August 27, 2013 at 9:40 pmSuch timely tips, Kristin! I love how you provide gentle ways to encourage bloggers to keep it up instead of throwing in the towel, as we all contemplate from time to time. Great job!
Kristin says
August 27, 2013 at 10:30 pmThanks Christie! You are such an encourager and I appreciate you! Love, Kristin
Modupe @ HephzibahBride says
August 30, 2013 at 4:46 amThanks for this! It can be tough going especially when you’re not blogging about your own every day life. Im now trying to get back into the swing of things.
Jedidja says
August 30, 2013 at 6:01 amThank you, I have translated in into my own language. Great tips for my and other Dutch bloggers. http://kostbaar.blogspot.nl/
CelesteVaughan says
September 8, 2013 at 3:42 pmGreat advice! It is so hard to stay on track sometimes. Life keeps getting in the way! Doing the best we can is all we can do 🙂 I love blogging, but I wish someone would invent the technology to get the words directly from our brain into WordPress without having to actually touch the computer. There’s so much in my head I want to put out there, I just can’t find the time to get it all done!
Nisha says
June 5, 2015 at 10:04 pmThank you this post was timely and exactly what I needed. Thank you!