I am such a champ at procrastination. I am well aware that this online thing takes time, effort, and lots of work. Yet for the past couple of days, I have not been able to get motivated to do anything constructive online. Of course, I've had time to post on the forum's 'last post contest' thread consistently day and night.

What I'm asking in a very long-winded way is, how do you stay motivated to keep on keeping on when the money builds up sooooo slowly. (This is in no way a criticism of Hubpages. Actually, at Hubpages I've managed to make more money in a shorter time than with any other online endeavor.)

I am just enjoying the community and trying not to feel guilty about that

Time to time I get rushes to actually do something, and this is when work is done

With 274 Hubs, you should be proud of your productivity!   

You know Misha is a very successful Hubber.  One thing he said, which I've always remembered (but done almost nothing about ) is that actually writing the Hubs should be the smallest part of your effort - most of your time should be spent marketing your work, e.g. by joining relevant forums, social bookmarking, etc.

That sounds like the perfect stuff to do when you don't feel like working at a new Hub!

Misha wrote:

I am just enjoying the community and trying not to feel guilty about that

Time to time I get rushes to actually do something, and this is when work is done

Misha, I knew I could count on you for a helpful reply.
Like you, the online community here at Hubpages really keeps me coming back. That and I would really like to be able to help my kids with college.
Hopefully this is just a passing lull and I can get back on track soon. Thanks, Misha!

Marisa Wright wrote:

most of your time should be spent marketing your work, e.g. by joining relevant forums, social bookmarking, etc.

That sounds like the perfect stuff to do when you don't feel like working at a new Hub!

Actually this is what I do when I feel like working

And you are welcome Angela   Not sure if I did anything helpful, though...

I can see things like social bookmarking are work, Misha - I was thinking more of hanging around forums on subjects you're interested in (and have written about).

Hanging around forums does not bring neither many backlinks, nor traffic - at least for my topics. In fact, this is the only forum I am hanging around currently. And this is 100% for enjoyment.

Angela, when I'm not motivated and procrastinating its usually because I'm hesitating hugely(!) on the next step. It's something I want to do but sometimes its 'scary' - which is just another way to say 'exciting'. (I prefer exciting!). And if I can't get past the stuck state by seeing the reward at the end of it, I task it on my calendar and take it one step at a time until the momentum builds. Its definitely mind over matter.

And like Misha said trying not be feel guilty about it is good advice -no need to beat myself up about it if that's what I choose
to do. Right now.

Good luck

Marisa Wright wrote:

With 274 Hubs, you should be proud of your productivity!   

You know Misha is a very successful Hubber.  One thing he said, which I've always remembered (but done almost nothing about ) is that actually writing the Hubs should be the smallest part of your effort - most of your time should be spent marketing your work, e.g. by joining relevant forums, social bookmarking, etc.

That sounds like the perfect stuff to do when you don't feel like working at a new Hub!

Thanks for the compliment, Marisa.
Yeah, Misha is a Hubpages legend. I read somewhere on these forums that Misha expects to be making somewhere in the ballpark of 6 figures in a year. Am I remembering correctly, Misha?

I do remember Misha speaking repeatedly about the importance of marketing. If you ever want to teach a seminar or sell an ebook, Misha, on how to replicate that success, I'm the first person to contact.

And Marisa, thanks so much for the excellent advice. It is a great idea. I've been pretending to do that somewhat, but not really getting much done. I am still learning the ropes about marketing and so I feel like I make more headway making new Hubs.

Misha, just being responsive like you and Marisa have done helps. I guess I'm just in a melancholy mood tonight.

I'm surprised, Misha, that you don't bring in traffic from forums. I haven't had a whole lot of success with social 2.0 sites either. I'm still trying to figure out the final piece of the puzzle.

Misha wrote:

Hanging around forums does not bring neither many backlinks, nor traffic - at least for my topics.

...so all that stuff about joining forums, becoming a valued member of the community, then publicising your sites is just another myth?

ah well, that saved me another job...

Seriously, it's something I haven't done because I don't have one particular subject that I Hub on.

I promise to reply tomorrow - it's too much strain on my tired brain right now

Good night, ladies

Misha wrote:

I promise to reply tomorrow - it's too much strain on my tired brain right now

Good night, ladies

How sweet of you, Misha. Good night.

Marisa, that is also one of my problems- my hubs are all over the place. I need to focus on at least just a couple of specific areas. I just don't know which ones yet.

Lifebydesign wrote:

Angela, when I'm not motivated and procrastinating its usually because I'm hesitating hugely(!) on the next step. It's something I want to do but sometimes its 'scary' - which is just another way to say 'exciting'. (I prefer exciting!). And if I can't get past the stuck state by seeing the reward at the end of it, I task it on my calendar and take it one step at a time until the momentum builds. Its definitely mind over matter.

And like Misha said trying not be feel guilty about it is good advice -no need to beat myself up about it if that's what I choose
to do. Right now.

Good luck
 

Lifebydesign, I didn't forget about you!
Sometimes what you mention is exactly what causes me to procrastinate, but I don't think so this time. I believe I'm just having trouble seeing the light at the end of the tunnel or even sometimes believing that there even IS a light, you know?
And you're right, it is mind over matter. And my mind just wants to play and pout at the same time at the moment.

Angela Harris wrote:

And my mind just wants to play and pout at the same time at the moment.

LOL - me too!

I motivate myself by striving to have a clear desktop.

My PC desktop.

I have two monitors running. The second one is off to my right. It's got folders. Lots of folders. I don't mind the mess on that one. I can just switch it off if I don't want to see it. But I usually have most of the screen taken up by Windows Media Player or my DivX player anyway.

My main screen though, it's a bit of a mess, but I try ever so hard to get rid of the clutter. So I strive to reduce the amount of documents that are sitting on there by getting my work done.

Of course after I reduced it by a few I'll end up adding a few others that I've either thought of or have pulled off the backburner.

It keeps me on my toes.

Something that can also work for me is giving myself a choice. Either finish this hub or go and do the dishes.

That usually sees me end up finishing the hub

My motivation just hit top gear - why ? Well at the end of Mar  I hit the magic $100 and got an Adsense payout - only took 13 months ROTFL! Today I checked my adsense - in the 5 weeks since I am laready nearly 1/3 to my next payout - I am way motivated!

Keep pushing and it will happen ! if I can do it anyone can :-)

Staying motivated comes from your perception of the finish line, and how you plan to get there. "Your Finish Line", the one you run through when you become accomplished. Try to visualize you're already there, in color. Allow the passion of your subjects to come through in your writing.

I stay motivated by helping people, sorta like a supply and demand type approach. I feel great honor to be able to share specific things I know a lot about. Which is one thing that keeps me very motivated.

All success and failure comes in phases. The first phase is the "Creation" phase. Then moving onto the "Exposure" phase, and finally, the "Accomplished" phase.

Depending on the main reason why you're here...To gain exposure in writing, or make  money, or hook up with work, etc. That would dictate the direction you would take this.

Appropriate marketing, and advertising could be your main motivating factor, to "keep" you motivated. "Results" are what keeps people motivated. Analyze your main objective first, then direct yourself down the path needed to accomplish your goals.

It's takes some time, endurance, and thought as to which way things should go. Sort things out accordingly in a logical manner, and it should help you avoid some hurdles in the road, on the way.

Remember, all who write on hubpages, have particular reasons why. Not everyone is here to try to make money, or become a famous writer.

I write mainly for therapy, and to help people. I stay motivated because of the need that's present, for the information I'm relaying. One of my biggest problems is...My time is very limited here, and I can't get the data out of my brain fast enough! lol

Take care, and good luck!  May the forces be with you in your quest!
Dawn

Darkside, Lissie, and BrainFire,
Thanks for the replies.
I like your ideas, Darkside. Especially the either/or choices- avoiding dishes would be a great way for me to get hubs done, too.
Lissie, congratulations! I'm glad your motivation is on high and things are on track. And thanks for the encouragement. Unfortunately, awhile ago I checked my Adsense account. I have one of the lowest amounts ever for this time of the day. It sucks and really doesn't help with the motivation.
BrainFire, I also like visualizations. I try to keep my future that I want in my mind's eye. It is more difficult at times like now, though. Thanks for the tips.
I have decided that for today at least I'm forgetting all about this online stuff. I'm spending the day with my daughter- shopping, eating out, dollar movies. I'll get back on track tomorrow, hopefully.

Sometimes a little rest is what you need most, so you can approach everything again with a fresh outlook. I know I need that every now and then.
Have a wonderful time with your daughter - sounds like fun!

Angela Harris wrote:

I am such a champ at procrastination.

...I thought I was the champ at procrastination???