Blogging distractions. 
Does it sound familiar to you?
Of course, you love to write. That’s why you are here in this platform. The moment you sit with pen and paper (or a laptop/desktop to be precise), your mind pops with several new ideas for the next post. After all, it feels amazing to give some shape to thoughts with few words.
But that very special ‘moment’ of sitting with the blog often comes after overcoming a lot of obstacles. Obstacles? Or, should I say blogging distractions?
You can say when one really loves to write, then distractions can never come in between. Trust me, it comes. If you have a house filled with gadgets or responsibilities demand you to complete a set of regular activities, then you will understand what I am trying to explain.
Didn’t you ever face any such distractions? Am I the only odd one out here fighting against distractions almost everyday before sitting with my blog ?
If there is anyone out there like me, then there are some tips for you to stay away from blogging distractions and find out some more time for your blog :
Blogging distractions no. 1 #The idiot box :
You have certain ideas running in your mind for your next post. All you want to do is to write them down in your blog and hit the ‘Publish’ button. However, you also have a program to watch in the television. What would you choose? Certainly, your blog. But in today’s episode, they are going to reveal who killed that most innocent girl? Half-an-hour of entertainment has never harmed anyone. You watch it.
Half-an-hour passed. When you’re just thinking to press the power off button, then you feel an urge for a quick channel surfing. While doing this, you come across another interesting program. Hours pass by now. The idiot box once again gets it’s victory over the most intelligent living being in this world.
The programs which you are dying to watch is easily available in internet nowadays. You can enjoy it anytime later. Don’t you agree that the energy spent behind these programs could have been utilised better in your blog? Think about it.
Blogging distractions no. 2 #Unfriendly social media :
Writing about internet reminds me of social media. You have lots of friends in Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You enter a whole new world full of updates from your friends- one is getting married, other just had a baby, some went to a vacation and rest are partying. It’s not easy to keep yourself away from their timelines. But is it that important exactly when you are concentrating on your blog? Can’t they wait for a while?
Related : Feeling lazy to blog : 5 easy tips to overcome it after a vacation
You can argue that it’s only for the sake of having a break. Okay. In that case, grab a cup of coffee. It will help to clear the traffic jam inside your head. Why do you grab the phone to mess your mind? Consider on this topic every time when you open social media apps in your phone while blogging.
Blogging distractions no. 3 #Errands of low priority :
It’s not possible to survive without having no work to do at all. Work or home front – endless and recurring tasks await for you throughout the day. In the midst of all this chaos, it becomes utterly difficult to make out some time for your blog.
There comes the necessity of your planning skills. I am sure every job can’t be your topmost priority. There has to be certain things that can wait for some time. Find out those areas and take advantage of that time for your passion (your blog in this case). You will thank yourself at the end of the day.
Blogging distractions no. 4 #Random thoughts :
This one is specially for daydreamers. I know daydreaming can make you reach new heights of creativity and enthusiasm. Ask me. But please do it only after you are done with your post. Even if you are not a daydreamer, still there will be tons of irrelevant thoughts whispering in your mind. Powerpoint presentation in office next week, movie plans this weekend, choosing the outfit for your best friend’s wedding, what to prepare for dinner – it can be anything.
Thinking about these stuffs is not required while you are blogging. It will only distract you.
So, hang a ‘Do not disturb’ board to distractions and finish your post within time. Or, do you intend to keep it in draft stage for a few more days?
good list …
Because I am fortunate to write full-time, at home, my method is: the night before, I make sure that the internet and email are both turned off on my computer. If I plan to work on blogs in the morning, I open that Scrivener file and select the blog I want to start with. I clear my desk of the detritus that filled it up during my work day. In the morning, then I’m set to go. I write a minimum of 500 words before switching gears to a new project or indulging in that half-hour of email and social media. Because morning is my most productive time, I wait until late afternoon to read others’ posts and share them, etc. That’s what works for me.
You are right, RoseMary. Morning is the best time of the day when we all feel energised. It is wise to utilise morning hours the maximum. Unfortunately, due to some other responsibilities, I hardly get time to sit down with my blog in the morning. I only find time post lunch and in evenings. Hope, some day I am able to grab some fruitful morning hours.
I’ve been blogging since 2009, and yes, it is indeed difficult to keep to the blogging schedule. I try as best I can to keep to the once a week schedule, and do use guest bloggers from time to time to help with that. But for the most part, I truly love blogging and make sure I find the time to create my next enticing post. 🙂
I hope I can continue my blogging journey with the same enthusiasm like you my entire life 🙂
You forgot one excuse that I always use, “I need to get a drink of water…or I need a snack.” Anything not to have to sit and look at the blank screen of the computer.
I thought I had given enough number of distractions. But now I know that everyone has their unique reasons to get the ‘much needed’ break from their creative side 🙂
Great post.
I write every Tuesday morning while on my commute. There is very little that can distract me and I am wide awake having walked for 20 minutes in the cold outside. If I wrote at home I would probably opt for late at night when my children are sleeping. I am a night owl and am full of ideas when my husband is nodding off whilst attempting to work on his laptop!
Morning and night – these are the most peaceful times in a day. Glad you are utilising these hours to the fullest.
Good tips. I haven’t watched the “idiot box” for nearly 3 years so no problem there. I have always been pretty tenacious when it comes to my writing. I write every single day and don’t wait for the little blue flame of inspiration to appear before digging in, which is why I don’t believe in writer’s block. I treat the process as a discipline, and that makes a huge difference in the process. Thanks for the advice and inspiration@
Yes, maintaining a sense of discipline is very important when it comes to writing. Once you are engrossed in the topic, nothing seems more important then. But before that, we should shoo away other distractions from our mind and make room for what we actually love to do.
It is a constant fight for me to stay focused so I can get my writing done for the week. I have found writing my blog at a specific time makes it a habit. once that is done, it is so much easier to maintain it.
That’s right William. Discipline is so necessary in anything that we do and writing deserves the highest of all.
I guess I am the only afternoon blogger here (I’m not a morning person)…
For being productive, I also find it crucial to keep to a daily blogging routine. Every day I reserve a block of time after lunch during which I work on my blog and don’t do anything else (OK, sometimes I get up and stretch or walk around a bit if I need to clear my head) – otherwise I wouldn’t get any blogging done as there are a half a dozen things competing for my time at any given time.
Thanks for giving me company Andy 🙂
I too hardly find time for blogging in the mornings due to other responsibilities.Post lunch and evenings are the times when I am free. I regret for being unable to utilise the morning hours though.