So you want to start a blog, but you’re working a regular job. Your time is spread thin, you have obligations and responsibilities at home, and you work Monday through Friday to support your family. What to do?
You already understand the value of working from home, making money while sitting on your butt typing on your computer keypad. You get it, your life can change… but how do you make that transition from full time job to full time blogger?
One step at a time
I’m not going to sugar coat this. To become a successful blogger, it takes time and effort. You can only get out what you put in. You need to know that this is not a get rich quick scheme. If it were quick and easy, everyone would be doing it, and everyone would be rich.
You are going to have to make time for this. Period.
Now that I got all that harsh stuff out of the way, if you are still reading then you really want this. That’s the attitude that it takes.
I can coach you. Your first lesson is that you must make time for your blogging. Did you think I was going to provide some miracle solution and then try to sell you on it? There is none. The good news is that it does not have to be a whole lot of time, but the more the better.
Loosen up and have fun
Don’t forget that you need to have fun doing this, so, I am going to suggest that you treat your blogging like your new best hobby. I don’t want to confuse hobby with a money making business, but the truth is, when you love what you do, your business is kind of like a hobby anyway. I encourage you to find something you love to do for you to blog about.
Here’s the best part… when you see your new blogging adventure as fun and exciting, you will naturally find time for it.
This is different for everybody, but let’s just say you have a ’67 Mustang in your garage and you’ve been wanting to restore her and get her back on the road so you can enjoy the pleasures of driving your beautiful classic.
So you make up your mind, and when Saturday rolls around, you find yourself in the garage pulling the car apart and making lists. You are excited and you are driven. Next thing you know, you’re in the garage Tuesday evening after dinner, then Wednesday too! You are obviously excited, but hey, rebuilding a car is a LOT OF WORK!
You certainly did not need me to help you find the time. Instead, you figured it out because you are excited. The human mind has a way of always figuring things out that you are dedicated to and excited about.
Maybe now you can see the context I am taking about when I say to make your blog an exciting hobby. Once you figure this part out, you’re golden!
What if you still are not excited?
Maybe you are still not as excited as you’ like to be about your blog… yet. Try to get excited. Think about your lifestyle. Think about what you will be able to do for your family. Think about the fun you will have blogging, living, and making money.
If you’ve been reading my blog posts, you’ll see why I make such a big deal about choosing a blogging niche that you love and enjoy (just like working on that Mustang).
If you are still struggling, then let’s try a regimented schedule to work on your blog. It does not have to be a long time… try, say, 30 minutes a day. I strongly suggest that you wake up 30 minutes earlier than usual, and work on your blog before you start your work day.
Here’s why…
- If you wait until the end of the day, you will be tired and you will come up with excuses. It will be tough to keep your routine, and you may never even get started.
- Starting your day with something exciting will affect your entire day in a very positive way. You may even want to get back to your blog after dinner!
- Your mind is clear in the morning, and it is way easier to be creative and more productive.
- Tackling something right away, that does not excite you, takes all the anxiety away, and before long you will become excited about it.
As you blog each morning, more ideas will come to you, and ways you can serve your audience will become clearer. Don’t focus on money yet, just focus on blogging knowing that the money is coming. Just like working on your car, you are focused on the brakes or the motor, but you know in the back of your mind that you will soon be cruising around town!
In conclusion
Starting a blog while you work a regular job is commendable. You are doing it for your family, for your lifestyle, and for your future. It’s not easy, but it is worth it.
There is no substitute for the time you need to put into your blog. People fail because they are not willing to put the time in. You get out what you put in. It will be such a sweet feeling to become a successful blogger, even with the obstacles you face working around your busy schedule and full time job.
Once the money begins to flow, you will see there is no better feeling than making the switch to the blogging lifestyle. That’s when you can quit your energy-sucking job and emerge into the dream-like reality that will now be yours! And you know what, by this time you are already making money blogging part time… so you will have the choice of how much time you want to be blogging.
Start blogging today, and your future self will thank you!
(Check out my step-by-step guide to starting a blog)
What are your time-related challenges for blogging?
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