How to Write a Blog Post When You Don’t Feel Like It

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Have you ever had to write a blog post when you just didn’t feel like it? Me too! Here are tips to help you pull through and get it done.

I usually really enjoy writing blog posts. After all, as a freelance writer and blogger, writing blog posts is how I make money.

But, sometimes I just don’t feel like it. Especially if I’m writing for a client and I’m just not feeling the topic.

So when my heart isn’t in the writing, and I’d rather be doing pretty much anything else, here’s how I manage to get done on schedule.

These are proven strategies you can use to write a blog post no matter how you are feeling.

And, if you’re struggling to increase your blog’s traffic, I highly recommend Elna’s course, Ready, Set, Blog for Traffic.

1. Outline First

Do you outline your posts? Taking the time to create an outline can drastically speed up your production. It helps keep you on topic and be very efficient when writing.

If you know where your blog post is supposed to lead readers, you can quickly get from point A to point B. On the other hand, if you don’t have a clue what the goal of your post is, you can wander around for a while and then have to go back and fix everything once you pick a final destination.

The scenic route is not the best way to write a blog post!

Completing the outline also allows you to combine all your knowledge and research. It uses a different part of the brain than simply writing. This change can occasionally get you motivated to write the post.

Wondering how to write an effective outline for a blog post? See this post:

How to Save Time by Outlining a Blog Post

2. Assign Rewards (Self-Bribery! :D)

If you’re really not feeling like writing, you may need some personal motivation. Assigning rewards for work completed can help.

Yes, bribing yourself if totally okay! You don’t have to spend a ton of money or eat junk to give yourself a mental break and a bit of reprieve.

Here are some fun rewards you can try after you finish a task (like making your outline or writing your intro section):

• Play a board game with the kids
• Take a walk
• Soak in the tub
• Put on some great music
• Read a chapter in a book

Alternating something you WANT to do with something you HAVE to do really helps. Especially if your break your blog post down into parts and have a quick reward after each part.

Knowing there’s something good coming can help you buckle down and get the work done. You know you get to do something fun next, so it’s worth getting it done.

NOTE: I don’t recommend tying rewards to timed worked. Instead, I always assign these based on product completed. After all, you can sit and stare at the computer for ten minutes and not actually accomplish anything…

3. Read Some Other Posts

Sometimes you don’t feel like writing a blog post because you may not be confident on the topic. If you’re struggling with the topic itself, reading a variety of posts about similar topics can help.

As you read, you get the lingo for that particular topic in your mind. These posts feed your brain with lots of ideas and they start swirling around.

Often after a period of reading and thinking about the topic, you’ll discover you’re ready to tackle the post with a fresh start. And this time, it comes much more easily.

4. Change the Format

Are all your blog posts the same? Sometimes that can get boring.

If this is you, try to change things up. Instead of writing a How to, write a case study. Or create a list post.

Sometimes it’s fun to create a “Day in the Life” style post with lots of pictures and more personal stories.

There are plenty of ways to present information, so try to find one that’s a good fit for the topic. And one that you aren’t bored of. Try something new!

5. Do a Different Task

There’s more to writing a blog post than just writing! Sometimes taking a creative break helps.

When you need to stop writing for a little bit, what else could you do? Try to think of several tasks that still help you in your business, that aren’t simply writing. Here are a few ideas:

• Create a cover image for your post
• Create pinnable images for your post
• Do a lesson in one of your courses (like this one on how to make money as a freelance writer!)
• Balance your books
• Send a pitch
• Promote your blog
• Update your content calendar
• Search for keywords using Ubersuggest or Pinterest

When you’re finished with a different task, try to go back to writing the post. Sometimes just doing something different is enough to help you push through.

6. Change Your Attitude

Just sitting at the computer, thinking about how much you really don’t want to write that blog post isn’t helping.

Sometimes, a change in attitude is helpful. Tell yourself that you are excited to write this post. That you are looking forward to sharing it when you’re done, or submitting your client invoice.

Visualize you sitting down and creating an epic post. Tell yourself that you can do it. And then do it.

7. Get Some Exercise

Before sitting back down to write, make it a point to get your heart pumping. This gets your blood circulating well and helps oxygenate your brain.

Go for a walk while thinking about the topic. Go for a quick bike ride. Put on music and dance with the kids. Or grab a balloon and play don’t let it touch the ground.

You don’t have to do formal exercise for your movement to count.  Just a short period of exercise can do wonders in improving brain power.

8. Just Do It

Taking a note from Nike, sometimes you may just need to force yourself to sit down and write.

If none of the above techniques are working for you, you can use your sheer will power to get it done.

And often, once you start, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you start to get into it.

Remember to Edit Well!

Did you get your blog post written? That’s awesome! Learning how to write a blog post when you don’t feel like it is an important feat.

But, there is a downside to having a dreaded post done.

Your editing is crucial. You see, when your brain isn’t in the writing game, you tend to make more mistakes. Blog posts you don’t want to write often have more errors than the ones that flowed out of your brain and onto the computer screen.

So take the time to give the piece a good edit. But first, walk away for a little bit. Then use this strategy to help you proofread it quickly.

Ready to Start a Blog?

If you don’t have a blog, but are ready to start one, I highly recommend using FastComet to get started. They’re inexpensive, have incredible customer service, and help your website load quickly. Check them out!

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Have You Ever Had to Write a Blog Post You Didn’t Feel Like?

I’d love for you to tell me about it in the comments! What techniques did you use to finally get it knocked out?