Balancing Blogging with Other Goals? This Is How You Succeed!
Can I get a show of hands from anyone who’s ever felt like they’re being pulled in a million different directions? My hand is high up in the air. Juggling your blog with work, family, friends, and other commitments can be a real struggle sometimes, am I right?
But here’s the thing – your blog is your passion, and you don’t want to let it fall by the wayside. That’s why I’m here to share some practical tips and strategies for balancing blogging with other goals you might have.
With a little planning and the right mindset, you can:
- Stay on top of your blog
- Crush your other responsibilities
- And avoid total burnout
So, who’s with me to get us on the path to a more balanced, fulfilling life as bloggers? Is your hand still up in the air, too? Perfect!
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Assess Your Current Situation
Before we can start balancing that blog grind with everything else on your plate, we need to take a good hard look at what’s already filling up your schedule. It’s kind of like making a grocery list before you hit the store. You gotta know what you’ve got in your pantry at home first, right?
So let’s do a quick inventory of all your current commitments:
- Make a list of everything you’re juggling right now – your job, classes, family responsibilities, hobbies, and so on. Don’t leave anything out.
- For each item, note how much time it typically takes up in your week. Be honest here.
- Also, figure out how these commitments clash with your blogging time. Do you know of anything that might stress you out, thinking about all of this?
Once you have that full picture laid out, ask yourself – why is blogging important to me? What are my goals and motivations for keeping it up? Knowing your “why” can help you prioritize when things get hectic.
Maybe your blog is a creative outlet, a way to build your brand, or a side hustle you’re hoping to grow. Whatever the reason, get clear on it now so you can keep that goal in mind as we move forward.
With your current commitments and blogging motivations mapped out, you’ll be able to identify potential roadblocks and start strategizing ways to overcome them. It’s all about being proactive, right?
So take a deep breath, grab that pen and notebook (or open up a Google Doc), and let’s get real about what’s filling up your days. The first step to better balance is understanding your starting point.
Prioritize Your Goals
Now that you’ve got a clear picture of what’s already on your plate, it’s time to figure out where blogging fits into the mix. After all, you can’t be all things to all people all the time.
The key is to prioritize your goals: both for your blog and your life in general. That way, when things get hectic (and they will!), you know what really matters most, and you can focus your energy where needed.
For example, let’s say your top blogging goal is to turn it into a full-time income source within the next year. But you’re also a mom, so spending quality time with your kids is a huge priority too. By getting crystal clear on those two “north stars,” you can plan your days accordingly.
If you find it hard to prioritize your goals, here’s a quick step-by-step:
Step 1: List out all your goals
…your blogging-related ones, but also your personal goals. For example, a blogging mom’s goals could include:
a. Grow your blog traffic to 50,000 monthly visitors
b. Launch an ebook or online course
c. Build an email list of 10,000 subscribers
d. Spend quality one-on-one time with each child daily
e. Maintain date nights with your spouse
f. Exercise 3 times per week
g. Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night
h. Read 2 books per month
i. Take a family vacation each year
j. Volunteer monthly in your community
Step 2: Categorize them
…short-term, long-term, financial, personal/family, work, health/wellness, and so on. Example categories:
- Blogging/Business Goals
- Family/Parenting Goals
- Health & Self-Care Goals
- Financial & Career Goals
- Personal Growth & Enrichment Goals
- Relationship Goals
Step 3: Rank your top 2-3 priorities in each category.
These are the goals that get top billing in your schedule. The goals that don’t make the top cut aren’t being ignored, they just get less time and energy devoted to them for now. After all, you’re a human being, not a machine!
Step 4: Build your ideal weekly routine
…around protecting time for those priorities. Maybe that’s 2 hours per day for blogging tasks, family dinner every night, and Sundays completely off to spend with friends and family.
By prioritizing what’s truly important to you, it gets so much easier to say no to the stuff that doesn’t support those core goals. And that’s the key to finding balance, giving your big priorities the time and attention they deserve.
Create a Blogging Routine
Alright, you’ve taken stock of your current commitments and prioritized your goals – now it’s time to actually make blogging happen. The key? Creating a consistent routine.
I know, I know…the “r” word can sound kind of boring. But trust me, having a set schedule for your blogging tasks is going to be significant when it comes to fitting it all in.
Think about it, you probably already have a routine for other important things in your life, right? Maybe you meal prep on Sundays, put the kids to bed at 8 pm every night or hit the gym before work a few times a week. A blogging routine works the exact same way.
The first step is deciding when you’re going to blog and what you’ll work on during that time. Maybe it’s writing new posts from 6-8 am before your day gets crazy. Or perhaps you’re more of a night owl and can crank out content after the kiddos are asleep.
Whenever your blogging windows are, treat them like important appointments and actually block them off in your calendar. Setting reminders can help as well.
From there, you might divvy up different tasks for different days:
- Mondays & Wednesdays: Write new posts
- Tuesdays & Thursdays: Edit/format posts, find images
- Fridays: Schedule social shares, respond to comments
The key is finding a cadence that works for your schedule and sticking to it as much as possible. Consistency is everything when it comes to making progress.
And you know, your routine doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to work for you. If you miss a day here and there, don’t sweat it. Just get back in the saddle and keep riding (or writing, haha!).
Leverage Productivity Tactics
Creating a routine is awesome, but you know what’ll really take your blogging game to the next level? Leveling up your productivity with some super effective tactics.
We’re talking things that’ll help you stay focused, work smarter (not harder), and squeeze every last drop out of those precious blogging windows in your schedule. Who doesn’t want that?
The 80/20 Rule
One of my favorite strategies is the good old 80/20 rule. The idea is that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. For blogging, that might mean:
- 20% of your posts drive 80% of your traffic
- 20% of your promotion tactics bring 80% of new subscribers
- 20% of your income streams generate 80% of your revenue
So instead of spreading yourself thin trying to do ALL the things, you can hyper-focus that 20% of high-impact activities. Genius, right?
Batching Tasks
Another must-try tactic is batching similar tasks together to minimize switching costs and stay in a productive flow state. Maybe you batch:
- Writing all your posts for the week on Mondays
- Editing/formatting posts on Tuesdays
- Promoting/sharing content on Wednesdays
The Pomodoro Technique
And when you really need to buckle down and crank something out, you can’t beat the Pomodoro Technique. It’s all about working in intense 25-minute sprints followed by 5-minute breaks. Those short bursts of hyper-focused work are amazing for busting through writer’s block, smashing out that final edit, or checking off any other blogging task.
The possibilities for productivity hacks are endless. The key is finding what works for your personality and sticking to it.
At the end of the day, optimizing your blogging routine with tactics like these will help you show up consistently, avoid burnout, and make serious progress towards your goals.
Outsource and Automate
Okay, I’ve got a question for you: if you could wave a magic wand and have all the boring, repetitive blogging tasks handled for you, would you do it? Of course you would! That’s where outsourcing and automation come into play.
Outsourcing Blogging Tasks
Think about all the little things that eat up your time, like formatting posts, scheduling social shares, moderating comments, updating plugins…the list goes on and on. What if you could cross most of those off your to-do list for good?
The first step is identifying which tasks are good candidates to outsource. Maybe it’s the tech stuff that makes your head spin, or just anything that falls into the “don’t enjoy it/not good at it” category. These sound like great chances to bring in some extra help.
For example, you could find a virtual assistant by asking your business peers, posting in a Facebook group, or turning to Google for people to help you with:
- Basic graphic design/creating Pinterest pins
- Setting up automations and workflows
- Scheduling and promoting your content
- Managing your email list
- Moderating blog comments
Having an extra set of hands for even just a few hours a week can be a total lifesaver. And it frees you up to work on the big-impact tasks that really move the needle.
Setting Up Automations
From there, it’s all about automation and letting tech tools do the heavy lifting for you. Things like:
- Scheduling posts to automatically publish using a tool like WordPress Editorial Calendar (in all fairness, I haven’t used this tool, but it looks interesting)
- Setting up welcome sequences to nurture new subscribers
- Using Tailwind to automate your Pinterest pinning
- Creating recurring tweets and retweets with Revive Old Post
The possibilities are endless for putting your blogging tasks on autopilot. It just takes a little upfront effort to put the systems into place.
The beauty of outsourcing and automation is that they immediately start paying dividends in the form of reclaimed time and energy. You can then reinvest that into higher-impact work that really moves the needle for your blog and your life. It’s a total win-win.
Outsource Differently
Another way to think about this is to hire help in other areas of your life, like getting someone to help you with household tasks and cleaning or getting a babysitter for a couple of hours every week. It doesn’t always have to be someone who jumps into your business. A friend of mine who is an established coach does this, and it works perfectly for her, her family, and her business.
Make the Most of Spare Time
You know that feeling when you’re just killing time waiting in line or for an appointment? Instead of mindlessly scrolling social media, why not use those little pockets of spare time to move your blogging goals forward?
You might be surprised at just how many little pockets of spare time you actually have throughout the day. The first step is doing a time audit to get clarity.
For a week or two, keep a log of how you’re spending your time in 15-minute increments. Note things like:
- Time spent commuting or waiting (at appointments, in line, etc.)
- Mindless scrolling on your phone or doomscrolling
- Watching TV or streaming shows
- Running errands or household chores
You may realize you have more spare moments than you thought. Those are all opportunities to jot down ideas, outline posts, or even start drafting. Those small windows really do add up over time!
The key is being prepared to capture inspiration whenever it strikes. Maybe you:
- Always have a small notebook and pen in your purse or car
- Use the notes app on your phone to quickly record voice memos
- Snap photos of anything that could make a good blog post visual
You never know when a lightbulb moment will hit – like overhearing a conversation that sparks an amazing blog topic or seeing something while running errands that relates to your niche. Stay ready!
From there, you can optimize those bite-sized windows of time to start fleshing out your ideas into rough outlines or drafts. Waiting at the doctor’s office? Jot down some section headers and key points. Sitting in the carpool pickup line? Bang out a quick intro paragraph or two.
You can even repurpose existing content to save time. Maybe you turn an old blog post into a YouTube video or record yourself reading a popular post to create an audio version. Getting creative with repurposing is a huge timesaver.
By the way, repurposing blog posts into a YT video and vice versa is a piece of cake with Rightblogger (just so you know, this is an affiliate link. If you use this link to check out Rightblogger, I may get a commission, but you don’t have to pay anything more)
The beauty of this approach is that when you do sit down for your main blogging block, you’ve already got a head start. No more staring at a blank screen.
The key is being intentional about not letting any of those little spare moments go to waste. You’d be amazed how much blogging progress you can make just by optimizing those little spare moments throughout the day.
So start paying attention to your time audit and get creative about capitalizing on every free pocket, no matter how small, instead of doomscrolling your phone. Don’t let any of those little windows go to waste – feed your blogging brain instead.
Build Your Support System
Let’s be real, trying to go it alone as a blogger is a recipe for burnout. You need a solid support system in your corner to keep you motivated, accountable, and sane.
The good news? There are so many amazing communities and people out there who can be your cheerleaders. You’ve just got to put yourself out there and start building those connections.
Blogging Communities
One of the best ways is to join blogging communities, networks, and forums related to your niche. Not only will you get access to a wealth of knowledge and advice, but you’ll find your tribe – other bloggers who just “get it” and can relate to your struggles and wins.
A great place to start is Facebook Groups. Throughout the years, I’ve been in several blogging groups, but in November 2023, I joined the Passive Income Pathways by Sadie Smiley, and it’s fantastic. Local meetup groups in your area are another way to connect with like-minded business owners. Don’t be shy, but introduce yourself, ask questions, and start engaging.
Accountability Partner
From there, you can take it a step further by finding an accountability partner or even starting a mastermind group. Having someone to check in with weekly about your goals and progress is crazy motivating. You could even collaborate on joint projects or share promotion opportunities.
I have two amazing accountability partners whom I met through a blogging course back in the days. We have worked together and cheered each other on for years now. It is so motivating to see each other grow and evolve into true businesswomen.
Friends and Family
But don’t just build your blogger support squad, get your friends and family involved too. Let them know about your blogging goals and see if they can help out in small ways, like:
- Watching the kids so you can have uninterrupted work time
- Cooking a few freezer meals to cut down on meal prep
- Helping with household chores and errands
- Simply cheering you on and celebrating your wins!
At the end of the day, surrounding yourself with a supportive community will make this whole blogging journey so much more fun and sustainable. You’ve got your people in your corner, pushing you to keep grinding toward your goals.
So don’t go it alone. Start putting yourself out there, making connections, and building your blogger support system today. Having a crew who “gets it” really does make all the difference.
Practice Self-Care
Okay, I need you to pause for a second and repeat after me: “Self-care is not selfish.” Got it? Good! Because making time for your own well-being is absolutely crucial when you’re juggling blogging with all your other responsibilities.
Think about it this way: if you’re running on fumes, how can you possibly show up as your best self for your blog, your work, your family? The answer is, you can’t. You’ll be cranky, unmotivated, and producing sub-par work. Nobody wants that.
That’s why self-care needs to be non-negotiable, just like your other big priorities. And I’m not just talking about the occasional face mask or bubble bath (although those are awesome too). I mean really nurturing your mind, body, and soul on a consistent basis.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Schedule exercise into your routine, even if it’s just a daily walk (this is on my schedule)
- Meal prep healthy foods so you don’t resort to fast food
- Actually use those vacation days and unplug from work/blogging
- Start a gratitude journal to reset your mindset
- Do a monthly check-in and adjust your schedule as needed
- Make time for hobbies, reading, or anything that refills your cup
The key is being proactive about self-care, rather than letting it fall by the wayside until you’re completely burned out. Maybe you dedicate Sunday mornings to a yoga class, or you time-block an hour before bed to wind down sans screens.
It’s also crucial to set boundaries and learn to say no sometimes. If that blog collaboration or sponsored post opportunity is going to stretch you too thin, it’s okay to pass. Guarding your energy is so important. And besides, other opportunities will come.
At the end of the day, making self-care a top priority isn’t just good for your well-being. It’s good for your blogging goals too. When you’re operating from a place of rest and rejuvenation, you’ll be able to bring your best, most creative self to your work. So don’t just take care of yourself for you, do it for your blog too.
Continuously Review and Improve
Here’s the thing, finding that perfect balance between blogging and life is an ongoing process. It’s not something you’ll nail down once and then never have to think about again. Situations change, priorities shift, and you’ll need to be ready to adjust your strategies accordingly.
That’s why it’s so important to build in regular review periods to assess what’s working, what’s not, and how you might need to pivot. Maybe you schedule a monthly “blog audit” to go over your metrics and goals. Or perhaps you just check in with yourself weekly during your planning session. I have a little space to do that in my Legend Planner so, every week, I review how my week has been.
The key is to set clear, measurable targets for your blogging performance. Things like:
- Hitting a certain number of published posts per month
- Growing your email list by X subscribers
- Increasing pageviews or engagement by a set percentage
- Earning a revenue goal from your monetization efforts
Having those concrete numbers to track makes it much easier to evaluate your progress and see where you might need to double down or try a new approach.
For example, if you’re not seeing the traffic growth you wanted despite consistently publishing quality content, maybe you need to put more focus on promotion tactics like guest posting or Pinterest. Or if your email list is stagnating, you could experiment with new lead magnets or sign-up opportunities.
It’s all about paying attention to the data, but also tuning into how you’re feeling. Are you feeling overwhelmed and burnt out despite your best efforts at time management? That might mean it’s time to scale back in some areas temporarily. Or maybe you’re just bored with your current content strategy and need to shake things up with a new series or format.
The point is, nothing is set in stone. You have the power to continuously tweak, adjust, and improve your blogging systems and routines as needed. Embrace that flexibility and don’t be afraid to pivot when something isn’t working. That’s how you’ll find what feels sustainable for you in the long run.
So stay curious, keep analyzing, and always be on the lookout for ways to optimize your blogging process. Balancing it all is definitely a journey, but with the right mindset, you’ve totally got this!
My Final Thoughts
Whew, we covered a lot of ground here! From assessing your current commitments and prioritizing goals, all the way through creating routines, productivity hacks, outsourcing, and self-care strategies.
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all the tips and tactics, don’t worry – that’s totally normal. The key is to start small and implement just one or two things at a time. Remember, this is a journey, not a race.
Maybe this week, you will focus on time-blocking your blogging windows and treating them as important appointments. Next week, you could try batching similar tasks to increase your efficiency. The week after that, you explore some automation tools to put things on autopilot.
Bit by bit, these changes will start compounding into serious momentum for your blog. And more importantly, you’ll be making consistent progress without that awful feeling of being stretched too thin.
The reality is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for balancing blogging with all your other goals and responsibilities. It’s an ongoing process of experimentation, adjustment, and finding what works for your unique situation and personality.
So stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to switch things up if a certain tactic or routine isn’t vibing with you. Your goal is to create systems that feel sustainable and allow you to show up consistently for your blog without burning out or neglecting other crucial areas of life.
It may take some trial and error to strike that perfect balance. But I hope the strategies covered here have given you a solid foundation to build from. Just remember to celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Blogging is a marathon, not a sprint.
So keep chipping away, one step at a time. With some planning and the right mindset, you’ve totally got this blogging-life balance thing! Now get out there and start putting these tips into action.
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