Sometimes it’s hard for us to stay motivated. Our plates are so full with things to do, we keep adding more and it becomes a balancing act.
This weeks “New Blog Of The Week” (NBOTW) has help for you. In his post titled “5 Tips For Motivational Recovery”, he reminds us to
Look at the alternatives.
I find that often times the best medicine is a little shock therapy. In this case it’s a matter of seeing what lies in store for you if you decide to give up on your dreams. It can be quite scary if you really take a look at the mediocrity that is in store for those who give up and take the easy road. Look at the average on the street who is just “getting by” and see that this may be you in the near future. Remind yourself that this may be living but it is certainly NOT being alive!
In blogosphere as well as in life, most people enjoy spending time with their friends, their “community”. This blogger dedicated a post to this subject. In “10 Reasons Why Community Is Essential To Our Success And Well Being” he wrote (in part)
We need to be needed.
There’s often times nothing more satisfying than filling the need of another human being. Knowing that it is because of something we did, something we provided, that another person is better off, gives us a great sense of purpose and satisfaction. And it is being involved in a community that gives you many of these great opportunities
This is the first blogger I’ve seen who has dedicated a complete page to his community. It’s a place where you can show your photography skills by downloading favorite photos and/or pictures of yourself.
You’ve seen him here (in the comment section). Now it’s time to visit his home at “Motivate Thyself”. He is Eric and his tag line reads “Your Freedom Depends On It”.
As a footnote, Eric recently started a second blog based on the popularity of a series he started. With the addition of his second site, he’ll be writing more about blogging as well as showcasing new bloggers. His second blog is Up And Coming Blogger.
Eric, I wish you loads of success with both of your blogs.
Enjoy your reign as “New Blog Of The Week”.
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Photo Credit: erikaflynn’s photostream
Hi. I'm Barbara Swafford and I'd like to welcome you to Blogging Without A Blog. Grab a seat, share your thoughts and join in the conversation. 
Last week we discussed how many of us are blogoholics and spend massive amounts of time blogging. Although blogging is a great hobby, it can interfere with our daily lives.
Decreasing the amount of time we spend blogging can not only improve our real life social skills, but can free up more time to spend on other goals.
Today’s Lesson
Like many of you, I need to become efficient in my blogging activities. Listed below are five tips I’ve come up with for streamlining our blogging routines.
Set a timer when visiting blogs in your reader
Although I don’t do this each time I visit the blogs in my reader, when I do, it makes me realize how fast an hour passes when I’m reading other blogs and commenting.
Answer your comments less often
If you’re receiving a steady stream of comments, let them build up before joining in. Often commenters will “feed” off each other and an interesting discussion can ensue.
Pick one or two favorite social networking sites
Each time we add another social networking site to our list, it eats into our blogging time. Use the ones you enjoy the most and discard the rest.
Write when creativity strikes
Bloggers often have spurts of creativity followed by dry spells. When creative juices are flowing, write several posts at once. When the dry spells hit, we have something to fall back on.
Post date your articles
For those using WordPress, we can take advantage of the post date feature on our WordPress blog. In WordPress 2.5.1, the option is under “Edit” of your “write” screen.
Today’s Assignment
How do you streamline your blogging time?
Can you add other suggestions to the list?
Feel free to join in the conversation, share your time saving tips, or let us know how ideas posted by others will help you.
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Photo Credit: AMANITO’s photostream