6 Useful Habits That Actually Boost Your Productivity

As a blogger, you’ve probably set some big goals for your business. Maybe you want to grow your audience, launch a new product, or finally achieve that elusive work-life balance. But have you ever found yourself struggling to make progress despite your best intentions?

Here’s the thing: setting goals is important, but it’s only half the battle. To truly achieve your dreams, you need to develop the right habits. Habits are the small, consistent actions that propel you forward day after day. Habits are the driving force that keeps you going forward, even on days when your motivation is nowhere to be found.

In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear writes about how tiny changes in your daily routines can build up over time to create remarkable results. By focusing on your systems and processes, not just your end goals, you can make steady progress and ultimately transform your life and business.

So, if you’re ready to learn more about habits to boost productivity, achieve your goals, and create a blogging career you love, keep reading. We’ll dive into six powerful habits that can make all the difference.

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The Power of Atomic Habits

Have you ever read a book that completely changed the way you think about habits and personal growth? For me, that book is Atomic Habits by James Clear. In it, he shares a powerful idea: small habits, repeated consistently over time, can lead to remarkable results.

Think about it like this: if you improve by just 1% every day, you’ll end up 37 times better after one year. That’s the power of compound growth. And it’s not just about personal development – this concept applies to your blogging business, too.

So, how can you harness the power of atomic habits to boost your productivity and achieve your goals? Here are a few key tips:

1. Focus on systems, not just goals. Goals are important, but they’re not enough on their own. To make lasting progress, you need to develop systems and processes that support your goals.
   For example, instead of just setting a goal to write more blog posts, create a daily writing habit that helps you consistently produce content.
   
   
2. Start small and be consistent. Don’t try to change your entire life overnight. Instead, start with tiny habits that feel manageable and build from there.
   Want to improve your writing skills? Learn by committing to reading one article on writing tips each day. The key is consistency; small actions repeated regularly add up over time.
   
   
3. Use habit stacking to make new habits stick. Habit stacking is a technique where you link a new habit to an existing one. For example, if you already have a morning coffee routine, you could stack a new habit of writing for 10 minutes onto that existing routine of drinking your coffee.
   By anchoring new habits to established ones, you make them easier to remember and perform consistently.

Remember, building new habits takes time and patience. You might slip up now and then, and that’s okay. The important thing is to keep showing up and recommitting to your habits, day after day. As Horace Mann once said, “Habit is a cable; we weave a thread of it each day, and at last we cannot break it..”

So embrace the power of atomic habits, and watch as small, consistent actions transform your blogging productivity and success over time.

6 Important Habits to Create to Improve Your Productivity

OK, now that we’ve established that creating habits is the way to reach our business goals, let’s take a look at which 6 habits are going to do just that. These powerful habits will keep you focused, motivated, and moving forward, even on the toughest days. 

Habit 1: Prioritize Self-Care

As a busy female blogger, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and put your own needs on the back burner. But here’s the truth: prioritizing self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to show up fully in your business and life.

Think about it like this: you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re running on empty, you won’t have the energy, focus, or creativity to produce your best work. That’s why developing healthy habits and prioritizing your well-being is so important.

So, what does self-care look like for a productive blogger? Here are a few key areas to focus on:

1. Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. When you’re well-rested, you’ll have more energy and mental clarity throughout the day.
   I try to go to bed around 10 pm each day because I know that when I sleep before 10.30 pm, I am energized for the following day.
   
   
2. Move your body regularly. Exercise isn’t just good for your body, but it also boosts your mood, reduces stress, and enhances cognitive function. Find a form of movement you enjoy, whether it’s yoga, running, or dancing in your living room, and make it a regular part of your routine.
   My favorite exercise is taking walks with my little pupster. I love the silence, I can think things through and at the end of the day, leave my work behind me. Whenever the weather is bad, I usually fall back on yoga. 
   

3. Nourish yourself with healthy foods. What you eat has a big impact on how you feel and perform. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods that give you sustained energy. And don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
   Every Saturday, I make a meal plan for the week ahead. It keeps the family from falling back on unhealthy choices. Plus, I think about what we’ll have for dinner throughout the week once and don’t have to ponder about it every single day. In all honestly, I do have a weakness for chocolate… ssshhh…
   
   
4. Manage stress with mindfulness. Blogging can be stressful at times, but there are ways to cope. Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling into your daily routine. These habits can help you stay grounded and manage stress more effectively.
   I work in blocks of 50 or 90 minutes. When a block is done, I walk away from my desk, stretch my legs, and mentally prepare for the next block. I also love to journal about my day, what went well, what didn’t. It keeps me focused on what to work on. 

Self-care looks different for everyone. What matters is that you make it a priority and find practices that work for you. By prioritizing self-care and developing healthy habits, you’ll create a strong foundation for a productive and fulfilling blogging career. Your mind, body, and business will thank you.

Habit 2: Plan Ahead with Time Blocking

As a blogger, you wear many hats – writer, marketer, social media manager, and so many more. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and scattered. But what if I told you there’s a simple time management strategy that can help you stay focused and productive?

Enter time blocking. Time blocking is a technique where you divide your day into specific blocks of time, each dedicated to a particular task or set of tasks. By planning ahead and allocating your time intentionally, you can make sure you’re making progress on your most important blogging activities.

Here’s how to get started with time blocking:

1. Identify your core blogging tasks. Make a list of all the essential tasks you need to do to keep your blogging business running smoothly. This might include writing posts, creating graphics, promoting on social media, responding to comments and emails, and so on.
   
   
2. Estimate the time needed for each task. Be realistic about how long each task typically takes you. Don’t forget to account for things like research, editing, and unexpected interruptions because there will always be interruptions with a family, right? It’s better to overestimate than underestimate.
   
   
3. Schedule blocks for deep work. Look at your calendar and find blocks of time where you can focus on your most important or challenging blogging tasks. These are typically tasks that require deep concentration, like writing or strategic planning. Aim for at least one or two deep work blocks per day. When you know your peak productivity times, you can take advantage of these for the tasks that need your brain power most. 
   
   
4. Build in breaks and buffers. Don’t forget to schedule some downtime! Taking regular breaks can actually boost your productivity and creativity. Use the Pomodoro Technique by working in 25-minute focused sprints followed by 5-minute breaks. Also, take time to get a proper meal in or take care of yourself. And always leave some buffer time in your schedule for unexpected tasks or emergencies.

Here’s an example of what a time-blocked day might look like for a blogger:

• 8:00-9:00 am: Respond to comments and emails
• 9:00-10:30 am: Write new blog post
• 10:30-11:00 am: Break for a yoga session
• 11:00 am-12:00 pm: Create social media graphics and schedule posts
• 12:00-1:00 pm: Lunch break
• 1:00-3:00 pm: Work on new product launch
• 3:00-3:30 pm: Break to go for a walk with the dog
• 3:30-4:30 pm: Outline next week’s blog posts
• 4:30-5:00 pm: Review analytics and plan for tomorrow

By taking the time to plan ahead and structure your day with intention, you can make sure you’re making progress on your blogging goals while still leaving room for flexibility and self-care. Give time blocking a try and see how this productivity tip can transform your workdays.

Habit 3: Mono-Task Instead of Multi-Task

The world we live in today is a fast-paced one. That’s why it’s tempting to try to do everything at once. As bloggers, we often find ourselves juggling multiple tasks, like writing a post while responding to comments, checking social media, and brainstorming new ideas all at the same time. But here’s the thing: research shows that multitasking isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Studies have found that when we try to do multiple things at once, our productivity and efficiency actually tank. Our brains aren’t wired to constantly switch between tasks – it takes time and mental energy to refocus each time we shift gears. That’s why monotasking, or focusing on one task at a time, is a better approach.

Here are some tips for embracing monotasking in your blogging routine:

1. Remove distractions. When it’s time to focus on a single task, eliminate anything that might pull your attention away. Close unnecessary browser tabs, put your phone on silent, and find a quiet place to work. You might even try using website blockers like Freedom to temporarily restrict access to distracting sites.
   Whenever I need to stay focused, I put my phone on work mode. That way, no notifications come through, and I can do my job in peace.
   
   
2. Work in focused sprints. Rather than trying to power through a task for hours on end, break it down into shorter, focused sprints. Set a timer for 25-50 minutes and commit to working on just one thing during that time. This helps you maintain focus and avoid burnout.
   
   
3. Take intentional breaks. In between focused work sessions, give yourself permission to step away and recharge. Take a quick walk, do some stretches, or enjoy a healthy snack. These short breaks can actually boost your productivity and creativity when you return to your task.

Here’s an example of what monotasking might look like in practice:

Let’s say you need to write a new blog post. Instead of trying to write while also checking email and scrolling through social media, you would:

• Close all unnecessary tabs and apps
• Put your phone on silent or in another room
• Set a timer for 50 minutes
• Focus solely on writing during that time
• Take a 10-minute break to stretch and grab a drink
• Repeat the focused writing session

By giving your full attention to one task at a time, you’ll be able to work more efficiently and produce higher-quality work. It might feel challenging at first, especially if you’re used to constantly switching between tasks, but with practice, monotasking can become a powerful productivity hack in your blogging toolkit.

True productivity isn’t about doing more things at once, it’s about doing the right things and doing them well. By embracing monotasking and giving each task your full focus and energy, you’ll be well on your way to blogging success.

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Habit 4: Use Productivity Tools

As a blogger, you have a lot of tasks, you need to do for your business:  write, edit, market, manage social media, and more. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all these tasks on your plate. But what if I told you there are tools out there that can make your life a whole lot easier?

I’m talking about productivity apps and blogging tools. These are effective tools for getting more done in less time. They can automate repetitive tasks, keep you organized, and streamline your workflow. Sounds pretty great, right?

Here are some types of productivity tools every blogger should consider:

1. Editorial calendars: These help you plan out your blog content in advance. You can see all your upcoming posts at a glance and make sure you’re publishing consistently. Some popular options are CoSchedule and Trello.
   I like to use Asana to stay organized. I have my quarterly goals and projects in there, and the calendar view is perfect for keeping me updated about what’s to come on a daily basis.
   
   
2. Social media schedulers: Instead of manually posting to social media every day, you can use a tool to schedule your posts ahead of time. This frees up your time for other important tasks.
   You can use Tailwind to plan out your content for Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. But there are more alternatives. I suggest you Google and find the best one for you.
   
   
3. Writing and research aids: There are lots of apps that can help you streamline your writing process. For example, A Second Brain is great for organizing your research and ideas, while Grammarly can help you catch spelling and grammar mistakes.
   
   
4. Time tracking software: Sometimes, we feel like time just slips away, right? Time tracking apps like Toggl can show you exactly where your hours are going. This can help you identify areas where you’re wasting time and make adjustments.
   If you are interested in reading more about time tracking, I have written a blog post about the topic. 7 Epic Time Tracking Tools to Boost Your Productivity.

Here’s an example of how you might use these tools in your blogging routine:

Let’s say you want to write a new blog post. You start by brainstorming ideas in A Second Brain and doing some research. Then, you outline your post in your editorial calendar and set a deadline for yourself.

When it’s time to write, you use Grammarly to help you craft clear, error-free sentences. You also track your time with Toggl to make sure you’re staying focused and not getting sidetracked.

Once your post is written, you schedule it to be published on your blog right into WordPress. You also use Tailwind to schedule social media posts promoting your new content.

By leveraging these productivity apps and blogging tools, you’re able to create a high-quality blog post in a fraction of the time it would normally take. And the best part? You can repeat this process week after week to keep your blog consistently updated with fresh content.

So don’t be afraid to invest in some productivity tools for your blogging business. With the right apps in your toolkit, you’ll be amazed at how much more you can accomplish.

Habit 5: Continuously Learn and Experiment

As a blogger, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. You find a routine that works for you and stick with it, day in and day out. But here’s the thing: if you want to keep growing and improving, you need to make learning and experimenting a regular habit.

Think about it – the blogging world is constantly changing. There are always new trends, technologies, and best practices appearing. If you’re not staying on top of these developments, you risk falling behind your competitors. But if you make continuous learning a priority, you’ll be able to stay ahead of the curve and keep your blog fresh and relevant.

So, how can you make learning and experimenting a part of your blogging routine? Here are a few ideas:

1. Read widely in your niche. Make a habit of reading other blogs, books, and publications in your blogging niche. This will help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and get new ideas for your own content.
   
   
2. Attend conferences and workshops. Investing in your education is always a good idea. Look for blogging conferences, workshops, or online courses that can help you learn new skills and connect with other bloggers.
   
   
3. Analyze your own data. Your blog analytics can tell you a lot about what’s working and what’s not. Make a habit of regularly reviewing your traffic, engagement, and conversion metrics. Look for patterns and insights that can help you optimize your content and marketing strategies.
   
   
4. Test new strategies and tactics. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas on your blog. Whether it’s trying a new content format, launching a new product, or testing a new social media platform, experimentation is key to growth. Just make sure to track your results so you can learn from your successes and failures.

Here’s an example of how continuous learning and experimentation might look in practice:

Let’s say you notice that a lot of other bloggers in your niche are starting to create video content. Instead of ignoring this trend, you decide to learn more about it. You read blog posts and watch tutorials on how to create engaging videos. You even sign up for a course on video editing.

Armed with this new knowledge, you decide to experiment with creating a few videos for your own blog. You try different formats and styles and pay attention to how your audience responds. Over time, you start to see an increase in traffic and engagement on your video posts.

By making learning and experimentation a regular habit, you were able to adapt to a changing trend and grow your blog in a new way. And the best part? This process of continuous improvement can be applied to any aspect of your blogging business. So embrace your inner student and make learning a lifelong habit. Your blog (and your readers) will thank you for it.

Habit 6: Cultivate Accountability and Support

Let’s face it, blogging can be a lonely business. When you’re working from home, it’s easy to feel isolated and disconnected from others in your field. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to go it alone. In fact, one of the best things you can do for your productivity and success is to cultivate a network of accountability and support.

When you have others counting on you, you’re more likely to follow through on your commitments. When you have a cheerleader in your corner, you’re more motivated to keep going, even when things get tough. That’s the power of accountability and support.

I have two accountability partners, and we work together every single day online. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them. These ladies who became dear friends cheer me on and are there for me when things are not working out the way I’d expected. They support me through thick and thin, and I do the same for them. 

So, how can you build these important relationships as a blogger? Here are a few ideas:

1. Join or create a mastermind group. A mastermind is a group of like-minded individuals who meet regularly to support and challenge each other. You can join an existing group or start your own with other bloggers in your niche. Use these meetings to share goals, brainstorm ideas, and hold each other accountable.
   
   
2. Find an accountability partner. If a group setting isn’t your thing, consider finding one person to be your accountability buddy. This could be another blogger, a friend, or a family member. Set regular check-ins to share your progress and encourage each other.
   
   
3. Hire a coach or mentor. Finding a good coach or mentor can be a breakthrough for your blogging business. Look for someone who has achieved the kind of success you want and can guide you on your own journey. Having an expert in your corner can help you stay focused and motivated.
   
   
4. Participate in blogging communities. There are many online communities where bloggers can connect and support each other. Facebook groups, niche blogging sites, and forums like Reddit are great places to start. Ask lots of questions, share your experiences, and offer help to others.

Here’s an example of how accountability and support might look in practice:

Let’s say you’re feeling stuck and unmotivated with your blog. You decide to reach out to a blogging friend and ask if she’d be willing to be your accountability partner. You agree to check in with each other once or twice a week to share your goals and progress.

During your first check-in, you share that you want to write three new blog posts this week. Your partner encourages you and offers to proofread your drafts. Knowing that she’s expecting your posts motivates you to stick to your goal.

When you hit publish on your third post, you feel a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for your accountability partner. You make sure to celebrate your win and thank her for her support.

By cultivating relationships like this, you’ll have a built-in support system to help you stay on track and achieve your blogging goals. Choose your blogging circle wisely and watch your productivity and success grow.

Remember, building a successful blog takes time and effort. But with the right productivity systems, goal-setting strategies, and success mindset, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. And with a supportive community by your side, you’ll never have to go it alone.

My Final Thoughts

Wasn’t that interesting? How we need to build habits to make our goals a reality? Let’s take a moment to recap the key takeaways from this blog post:

1. Building good habits is essential for boosting your productivity and achieving your blogging goals.
2. Small, consistent actions build up over time to create big results.
3. Prioritizing self-care, planning ahead, monotasking, using productivity tools, continuously learning, and cultivating support are all habits that can transform the way you write your blog posts.

But here’s the thing, knowing about these habits is just the first step. The real magic happens when you start implementing them in your daily life. It might feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to do everything at once. Start small and focus on one habit at a time.

Maybe this week, you commit to monotasking during your writing sessions. Next week, you might try time blocking your schedule. And the week after that, you could reach out to a fellow blogger for accountability and support.

The key is to keep taking action, even if it’s just baby steps. As you start to see the positive impact these habits have on your productivity and well-being, you’ll be motivated to keep going.

And don’t forget – you’re not in this alone. There’s a whole community of bloggers out there who are on the same journey as you. Reach out, connect, and support each other. Together, we can all achieve our blogging dreams.

So, my final question to you is this: what’s one small habit you can start implementing today to increase your productivity? Share your commitment in the comments below, and let’s cheer each other on!

Remember, every big accomplishment starts with a single step. So take that first step today.

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