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This is my weekly installment of “writing about writing,” in which I scan the world for material to help other writers. Today I discuss a blog post about what to do when you feel like quitting.
Do you ever feel like quitting? Maybe you have too many responsibilities? Perhaps you’ve worked too hard for too long. Possibly, you’re tired of not seeing the results you wanted or expected.
A recent post by Nicole Avery on the ProBlogger website, suggested five tips to get back on track if you feel like quitting your blog (or any other type of writing). Here’s an overview of her advice:
1. Take a break
Avery says she typically takes two full breaks from the blog each year, but this year she took extra time. “I gave my weekly newsletter a rest for the whole of January and I pared back my social media activity, for example I went from four posts a day on facebook to one,” she said.
2. Analyse your time
Here’s where the Pareto principle (also known as the 80–20 rule) can help.
Said Avery: “My initial analysis showed me very clearly that the vast majority of my time was spent on activities that contributed very little to results, way too much time on email and social media. On my least productive activities I was spending only 26% of my time on design and composition. A huge wake-up call and a stark reminder that if you are spending your time on the wrong activities, no matter how well you manage your time, you will not achieve the productivity you are after.”
3. Set a goal
Reflect on the Russian proverb, “If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one,” and determine the ONE goal you intend to accomplish.
4. Create a work schedule
Creating a work schedule will help you get on track. Among other benefits, it can help prevent decision fatigue. As Avery puts it: “There is always a great deal going on at home, and by creating a work schedule, it is effectively telling me what to do when. Not having to think about what to do means I can just get started on my work each day and not lose time procrastinating over where to start.”
5. Practice daily gratitude
Practicing gratitude is an effective way of improving your attitude, according to Avery. She recommends the 5-minute journal app because it helps turn the practice into a twice-daily habit. “Instead of bemoaning the pressures that come from running a small online business,” she says, “I would very frequently list it as something I was grateful for.”
