When you are a new blogger, it can easily be overwhelming to figure out all you need to do to be “successful.” Let’s face it, even experienced bloggers are pulled in a million directions at once, sometimes more so! If you think that blogging is all about creating a post and hitting ‘publish,’ think again! Most of us spend hours behind the scenes, crafting and creating and marketing and connecting and serving…and the list goes on….
The key to keeping your sanity is to find those tasks that are going to move your business forward, and to complete them first. It is easy to get sidetracked and sucked into social media, but is that really going to drive your business? If you only visit and comment on other blogs, and never create content upgrades for your posts…is that going to help you reach your goals? If you are constantly creating posts and publishing them, but never promote them…how likely is it that your posts will get seen?
I have been an online business owner for 2 years now and have learned a thing or two about creating a successful business. I have made plenty of mistakes and have seen my business reflect that. However, over time I have also learned to focus my efforts and do those key tasks that will drive my business forward. I focus on MY business first and think –
“If I only had an hour to work today, what activities do I need to accomplish to reach my goals?”
Life happens – I am a mom to 6 young children and I am busy. I don’t have all day to devote to my business. I don’t want my children to remember their mom on the computer all the time, never able to get down on the floor and play. I want to have a successful business and create security for our future, of course. But not at the expense of my family.
So, how do I accomplish this? I use what is called a POWER HOUR CHECKLIST. I have created a list of those tasks that I need to accomplish each day, and in what order. I have broken my daily tasks down into 3 categories, in order of priority. I start with Box 1, and complete those tasks. Then, I allow myself to move to Box 2 and complete those. If I still have time left in my allotted hour, I can then move to Box 3. Obviously, the tasks in the first box are focused on MY blog and MY content creation – the non negotiables. By the time I am in Box 3, I am doing those tasks that may not help my business today, but are shaping my future and those around me.
Because I value and love the blogging community so much, I would love to share my Power Hour checklist with you all! If you can relate to my thoughts here, and would like to stop spinning your wheels in your own blogging business, then feel free to grab my Power Hour Checklist below. I really think you will love it, and use it to increase your productivity. I would love to hear your thoughts on it and see how it helps you, so come back here and let me know!
*Share this post with your blogger friends so they can experience the same kind of peace in their business.*
Click here to download your FREE Blog Power Hour Checklist!
104 Comments
Candy
July 13, 2016 at 11:53 amUsing checklists is so important and keeps me on track. This is great.
Katie
July 13, 2016 at 2:09 pmGreat idea! It always amazes me how much I can get done in a short amount of time when I just focus in!
Rebekah @ My DIY Family
July 13, 2016 at 3:11 pmThis could not have been a better post for me to read today! My blog is only 3 weeks old, but I feel like everytime I sit down to work on it I just get sucker in to the million things that I know I need to do like networking, cleaning up my pinterest boards, writing my bio on IG… etc, and yet I need to write a new post. Oh ya and be a mom to the kiddos lol! Thanks for the post. I’m excited to give it a whirl!
Rebekah @ My DIY Family
July 13, 2016 at 3:13 pmThis could not have been a better post for me to read today! My blog is only 3 weeks old, but I feel like everytime I sit down to work on it I just get sucked into the million things that I know I need to do like networking, cleaning up my pinterest boards, writing my bio on IG… etc, and yet I need to write a new post. Oh ya and be a mom to the kiddos lol! Thanks for the post. I’m excited to give it a whirl!
Brittany
July 13, 2016 at 3:48 pmI just signed up to get the worksheet. I can’t wait to see what’s on it!
tp keane
July 13, 2016 at 5:16 pmSounds like something every blogger could use, including me. Great worksheet and thank you.
karen
July 13, 2016 at 5:29 pmLove checklists – those are what keeps me focused in anything I do! I wish I had this useful checklist when I first started blogging – would have been so helpful!
Karen | GlamKaren.com
christina aliperti
July 13, 2016 at 5:49 pmThis definitely will be helpful. Sometimes it’s easy to be distracted with work and try to do everything at once. This will help organize and focus me.
Heather Lawrence
July 13, 2016 at 6:06 pmI am a huge check list girl! I need to see if written down to get motivated to do it and I need to see it checked off to continue the momentum. Such a great way to get organized and focused on the task at hand.
Terri Steffes
July 13, 2016 at 6:39 pmI can’t wait to give it a try and think about how I could use Power Hour in my own day-to-day life. Awesome concept!
adriana
July 13, 2016 at 10:44 pmThis is awesome! I do best when I have lists – this is great, it’s amazing how much you can get done in an hour with no distractions!
Rachel
July 14, 2016 at 12:15 amGreat idea! Making lists really helps me tackle everything!
Cassandra @ Powered By BLING
July 14, 2016 at 1:14 amI have been blogging for about 2 years now and I feel like this all the time! Blogging is not my full-time career, so between my full-time career, running a swim team, and all the other commitments, I sometimes have to put blogging to the side. There’s alot to think about to grow and it can definitely be overwhelming at times.
Sabrina
July 14, 2016 at 1:18 amThank you so much for sharing and putting this amazing list together Terryn! I just started my blog and I have difficulties figuring out what to do each day but this template will help me prioritize my work and will help me focus on what is important! Thank you ?
Dawn McAlexander
July 14, 2016 at 1:54 amI do something similar. I always make a checklist of what I have to get done that day, and do those things first. After that, anything else I can get accomplished is something that I don’t have to do the next day!
Roxanne
July 14, 2016 at 1:59 amAwesome check list! I agree if I have a list to work from for the time I do have for my business, I am way more productive.
Rachel
July 14, 2016 at 3:19 amIt sounds like this checklist will help to keep everyone organized and has some great tips! Can’t wait to see it.
Jenny
July 14, 2016 at 3:30 amThe power hour checklist sounds awesome! Can’t wait to check it out.
xoxo, Jenny
Cathy Mini
July 14, 2016 at 3:52 amThis is definitely a great checklist! I know I live by checklists – being able to keep track of things and cross them off when I’m done helps me out so much.
Shani | Sunshine & Munchkins
July 14, 2016 at 3:54 amI’m a list lover, so this is perfect! Thank you, thank you!
Becky
July 14, 2016 at 3:56 amLove this! I’ve been trying to come up with a good checklist like this so it’s always helpful to see what others do!
Amanda Love
July 14, 2016 at 5:03 amWhen it comes to maintaining a blog, especially if you’re monetizing it, having a schedule is important. I make sure I have everything planned out from the posts to the social sharing to everything else! I think aside from that, writing down everything in lists is good too.
Paula
July 14, 2016 at 6:47 amWhat a great idea – even 8 years later, I still struggle with focusing on what’s truly THE most important thing to tackle in blogging. Thank you!
Brenda Sullivan
July 14, 2016 at 10:35 amTerryn,
Love your blog. It looks great. I love checklists and planners – great job on this post. I look forward to seeing you more o Bloggin Buddies. Thanks for your support- BTW!
Brenda S.
htpp://www.fromthefrontporchswing.com
Debra
July 14, 2016 at 3:38 pmThis is awesome! I think more and more I need to have a power hour. Sometimes I get so distracted it takes forever to get the littlest thing done.
Ana De- Jesus
July 14, 2016 at 5:09 pmI will definitely be downloading the blog power hour checklist because I feel like I can’t keep up. Especially when it comes to social media it is very difficult.
Yvonne Sowell
July 14, 2016 at 5:58 pmI needed this. Everytime I sit down to work on my blog, I end up just needing like hours! I can only work at night when my baby is sleeping and everyone is fed. >.< thanks!!
| yvonnesowell.com |
Mara Shelley
July 14, 2016 at 9:23 pmI submitted my name and email but it said it was password protected. But I didn’t get an option to create a password?
terryn
July 15, 2016 at 7:12 amHi Mara! The password comes up right after you enter your name and email, on the next page. I can email it to you though 🙂
Ryan | A Polished Palate
July 15, 2016 at 8:36 amGreat checklist! It’s really helpful to stay on track when I have lists like these. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca Vendetti
July 15, 2016 at 9:58 amThat is a power hour for sure! I love how you break everything down into simple, bite-sized chunks. I feel like I could spend a WHOLE DAY on this!
terryn
July 17, 2016 at 7:49 pmLol, hopefully you won’t! The blocks are numbered so you’ll focus on the most important tasks first. If you only get Box 1 done in your hour, at least you got your basic building activities done!
Malu Silva
July 15, 2016 at 10:49 amI love it! Thanks for this post <3
terryn
July 17, 2016 at 7:48 pmYou are welcome!
Adriana Renee
July 15, 2016 at 11:01 amChecklists are the only way I can get things done!
terryn
July 17, 2016 at 7:47 pmMe too! I have lists for everything!
Kristin
July 15, 2016 at 4:58 pmThis is awesome, thank you so much! I always struggle to find time to get it all done.
terryn
July 17, 2016 at 7:46 pmYou are very welcome, let me know how you like it Kristin!
CourtneyLynne
July 15, 2016 at 7:45 pmThis is great!!! I’m obsessed with any kind of list!! List in every area of my life keep things running smoothly. Only way I get things done!
terryn
July 17, 2016 at 7:46 pmLol, me too Courtney! I have lists for everything and I am a paper list maker.
Lora
July 15, 2016 at 8:15 pmGreat idea to call it a power hour and really focus in on goals!
terryn
July 17, 2016 at 7:45 pmThank you so much Lora! <3
Reesa Lewandowski
July 15, 2016 at 10:16 pmWow boy do I need this! This summer is really putting me behind in my work! Thank you!!!
terryn
July 17, 2016 at 7:45 pmYou are so welcome Reesa! It’s funny how summer puts us behind. I know for me, when I am on a strict schedule, I find it easier to stay on task and I end up getting more done when I am busy!
Amanda
July 16, 2016 at 2:39 pmI needed this! NEEDED! Lol perfect timing too since our school year is about to start and I will only have about an hour a day!
terryn
July 17, 2016 at 7:43 pmI’m so glad it is helpful Amanda! Let me know how it works for you! Do you homeschool too?
Cara (@StylishGeek)
July 20, 2016 at 12:28 pmThanks for sharing your power checklist! Even though I have been blogging for years, I do need to be reminded of these essentials that you mentioned. It helps motivate me to keep at it!
terryn
July 20, 2016 at 10:36 pmI’m so glad you found it Cara, hope it helps!
candy
September 10, 2016 at 9:13 amGreat you share your experience for everyone else to use and succeed faster.
Maria Bowersock
September 10, 2016 at 10:01 amThis is such a timely and helpful piece to me. Thank you for sharing <3
Paige Strand
September 10, 2016 at 10:19 amI actually swear by this concept, I actually do a power hour in the morning and one in the afternoon with a different objective.
Erika W.
September 10, 2016 at 11:50 amThis is just what I needed! I’m a full time worker and a full time student #YIKES! Sometimes it is not easy for me to balance everything without feeling burnt out. Thank you for creating this
Marla | Because I Said So Baby
September 10, 2016 at 12:57 pmThis is exactly what I needed!!
Dicia
September 10, 2016 at 1:20 pmGreat ideas. I have a checklist for when I sit at the computer and all the things I need to do, such as promotion and sharing, correct any mistakes that I have seen, check my page views.
Dicia ~ itsmymommylifenow.com
Brianna
September 10, 2016 at 2:48 pmFantastic idea! Thanks so much for sharing. I’ll have to save this for later
Lindsey
September 10, 2016 at 3:05 pmSo many good idea here. thank you!
Yandra
September 10, 2016 at 5:17 pmThis post is so resourceful. I am a new blogger and I was beginning to get overwhelmed because no matter how much I do , I still feel like there is som much more to do! I will definitely be using this power hour checklist. I will update you to let you know how it’s working for me! Thanks
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons
September 10, 2016 at 10:18 pmIt’s definitely all about priorities! As a new blogger, I’m learning social media can suck you up if you let it. I love the checklist! Thanks!
terryn
September 12, 2016 at 7:33 amYou are very welcome! I know it can be overwhelming at first, hope it helps!
Jasmine Hewitt
September 11, 2016 at 1:40 pmGreat idea! I’m a big checklist person
Taylor Monaco
September 11, 2016 at 9:16 pmLove your photos! Do you do your own?
terryn
September 12, 2016 at 7:32 amThanks Taylor! I don’t actually, they are stock photos. Here is a great list of free places to get girly stock photos: http://wp.me/p7EUjW-7D
Megan Forde
September 11, 2016 at 9:31 pmI love this so much because I have so little time to fully focus on my blog and having a blog power hour is perfect for me!
Luz
September 12, 2016 at 2:01 amThis is such a great idea, thank you.
Bridget | Nutty Hiker
October 24, 2016 at 7:51 amI am a checklist kind of girl! Actually, I am a list girl to be honest lol. I cannot function without making lists, so thanks for posting this one!
Christina Kamp
October 24, 2016 at 7:51 amThanks for all the great tips!
Hanka
October 24, 2016 at 8:01 amI am a huge check-list girl and I love your check list! And thank you for remembering me that I don´t want my children to remember me only sitting in front of pc screen! 😉
Karen - Sarcastic Parent
October 24, 2016 at 8:30 amAs a new blogger, this kind of checklist is super helpful with getting what you need accomplished
Sarah Jean
October 24, 2016 at 9:05 amLists and “power hours” are critical to staying on top of our blog!
Kim
October 24, 2016 at 9:05 amThis is so helpful. I need to be more organized with my plans/thoughts. Once I sit down to write or plan, I get overwhelmed. I need more structure so this is so helpful.
Megan
October 24, 2016 at 9:33 amI love this! Time management can be a struggle.
Kristine-Bites of Flavor
October 24, 2016 at 10:09 amThis is SO helpful! I’m a new blogger myself and I’m always looking for tips such as this. Thank you for sharing!!
Chelsey
October 24, 2016 at 10:17 amDownloaded – I love it. Thanks so much for making this available! I’m a new blogger and I have 11 month old twins and a 3 year old. I’m struggling to prioritize the pockets of time that I can find to do some work, but I KNOW this will help me out a lot. 3 kids is tough, kudos to you and your 6!! Thanks for motivating me!
Andrea | Messy Nest Mama
October 24, 2016 at 10:30 amLove this! This checklist is great for busy moms who get sidetracked 500 times a day. I can’t wait to start using my checklist. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Krista Nile
October 24, 2016 at 11:19 amThis is soo what I need right now! Thank you!
Samantha
October 24, 2016 at 12:00 pmThis is great! I work from home and take care of my toddler, so I often can’t work in huge chunks. Having a small checklist to get me started is super helpful. Thank you!
Elizabeth Mayberry
October 24, 2016 at 12:21 pmWhat a great tool! I love this so much!
tineke - workingmommyabroad
October 24, 2016 at 1:21 pmI live by my lists! And you´re right, blogging can be so overwhelming so a checklist definitely helps
Ali B
October 24, 2016 at 3:28 pmThis is a great way to help prioritize too! Can’t wait to get started.
Sara Brunsvold
October 24, 2016 at 4:05 pmThis is is fantastic! I’m such a list person. Thank you for this insight.
Elizabeth - CrazyBusyHappyLife
October 24, 2016 at 4:05 pmI love the idea of having a power hour because it makes you really pinpoint what is important and what will move your blog and business forward. Great post.
Lauren
October 24, 2016 at 4:33 pmAwesome tips! I love setting a timer to do tasks!
Jamie Reed
October 24, 2016 at 5:37 pmGoing over this checklist right now! This is really helpful, thank you!
Kira
October 24, 2016 at 6:10 pmMy mantra lately has been “I just don’t have enough time!” so I am definitely going to give this a try!
Anna @ saltinmycoffee.com
October 24, 2016 at 6:40 pmThis is great! Checklists are absolutely my best friend, when it comes to being productive. I like the way you have this broken down into prioritized groups. Awesome!
Cristina | The Graphic Toolbox
October 24, 2016 at 8:03 pmThis is perfect for me, I am a multitasker and always get sidetracked when I work on my blog. Thanks
Abby
October 24, 2016 at 8:17 pmGreat list! I am fairly new to blogging and still don’t have a great routine down yet. This will definitely help me!
Sam
October 24, 2016 at 8:59 pmWow! This is exactly what I needed, and such a great perspective too! Thank you so much Terryn 🙂
Jennifer Dunham
October 24, 2016 at 10:06 pmI love this idea! I think that sometimes I get sidetracked by how much time I have…boiling it down to what I need to get done if I only had an hour could really boost my productivity.
Veronika
October 25, 2016 at 3:31 amSuch great information! I’m always trying to up my to-do list game. I tend to jump from one task to another, usually accomplishing the small things first and then getting to the bigger and more important ones at the end.
Laura
October 25, 2016 at 9:24 amThat power hour is one I’m still trying to figure out as a new blogger. I love the idea of a power hour list! This makes so much more sense. Thank you for sharing! ?
Justine Y @ Little Dove
October 25, 2016 at 2:02 pmWhat a great idea! I also have several young children and try not to be stuck to the computer all day, but then I often myself frustrated and feeling like I’ll never be able to do as much as those that don’t have children or who have older kids. Thanks so much for sharing with us!
courtney
October 26, 2016 at 12:28 amThat is such a smart way to stay on top of everything that comes with this job. It can be so hard to stay up to date and motivated but lists and blocked times definitely help!
La Belle Sirene
suzanne
October 27, 2016 at 8:24 amYes, this is so necessary! Blogging can definitely get overwhelming at times. Thanks for the tips!
Tyane
October 28, 2016 at 9:38 amI love this!! As a huge planning and list junkie, I will find a way to utilize this into my blogging plans 🙂
Linda S
November 2, 2016 at 9:22 amGreat tips, Terryn! I often find myself distracted by following rabbit trails and then not getting back to what I ought be doing. Thanks for the checklist 🙂
Rose Barnett (@mRoseBarnett)
November 14, 2016 at 7:15 amAm I the only one who cannot access this? I go to http://www.subscribepage.com/m1x9y2 and it says not found 🙁 *weeps* I’d love some help getting it.
terryn
November 14, 2016 at 7:40 amHi Rose! So sorry you are having trouble. It looks like you are at the wrong link, at least from my end. Try this here and let me know if it works for you. If not, feel free to email me and I will send it over. (terryn@justasimplehome.com) http://www.subscribepage.com/v4p3j9
Callie K
January 12, 2017 at 11:05 amWhat a great post. I love the idea of the Power Hour, definitely one I need to implement in my days. Thanks for sharing!
Kimberly Henricks-Friedhoff
January 12, 2017 at 3:39 pmThis is fabulous … thank you so much for sharing! Downloaded and printing now!
terryn
January 14, 2017 at 9:17 amYou are so welcome Kimberly!
Emilye
January 12, 2017 at 8:19 pmThanks for sharing! I’m new to blogging and I am excited to read this in detail.
Robin
January 12, 2017 at 8:27 pmThis is such a smart strategy! I used this at my last job, where I had to be productive every minute of every day to get everything done. I found that asking myself how much time I should reasonably spend on a task, and setting a timer for that exact amount of time helped me to stave off all distractions until the end of that time period. I should apply that same strategy to my blog for sure!
Jess
January 22, 2017 at 5:07 pmThis is a great little checklist, Terryn! Thank you! It’s so easy to get sidetracked when you’re trying to write new blog content. We’re gonna try this exact approach out for a couple weeks = )