I work on my website full time and I think when you are spending multiple hours online there is a danger of burnout. Here are some of my ideas to address this problem: - Don't obsess over stats. Check your traffic analytics, adsense account etc. only once daily. - Stay in shape. Sitting in front of your laptop for hour after hour can be taxing on your health. Try to get out and exercise regularly - I think it will end up helping you be more productive. - Take part in offline endeavors to promote your site also - eg networking within your niche/industry at expos etc. - Stay inspired. There are alot of mechanical processes in web marketing. Make sure you leave time for working on the content (or whatever it is) that challenges and really interests you. - You are able to work on your site 24/7 thanks to the internet. Try to schedule at least a little time off to refresh yourself. Any other contributions to this list welcome!
Really nice tips. Worth to practice. These are out at a time when the webmasters are feeling the burnout and collapsing on the desktop
I agree about the exercise thing. I think we all know that it's too easy to sit in front of a computer for hours on end without any breaks. Forcing yourself time to get out and exercise is just as important for your mind as it is for your body. I always seem to get the best ideas when I'm running or mountain biking, and I do either one every day.
Have hobbies outside of your computer seat. Go out with friends, work out at the gym on a regular basis, get laid by supermodels...etc. (That's how things go for me anyway)
I often fall into the mistake of pushing myself really hard, then I burn out for months, then I get back into and push myself too hard again. I think your suggestions are good ones.
One of the cure is stay away (really away) and hook up with something else or you will return to the cyberworld.
This is really a great post and I can relate. For me, you almost have to make yourself step away for the internet and it's tough to do. I suppose after you see some success with website design and SEO, you should go ahead and enjoy yourself a little..... For me it's a step out onto the beach, go by the pool, sit in the Jacuzzi, play some video games, watch a good movie, go to flea markets and antique shops, go get a good meal somewhere, enjoy nature and the outdoors...... enjoy a beer, wine, or a mixed drink. Ahh but stick to the computer geek creed and don't be too social or let anyone know what you do in your spare time... I usually like to tell people that I'm a plumber and I like to lay pipe. People may ask you to fix something, make them a website, or even try to guilt you into doing something because afterall, they're family. Can anyone relate to this? I find it stressful.
Shoemoney gave some great advice once. He said when he goes online in the morning he spends one hour working really hard. He does that before checking emails and IM. That means you can get one hour of work done before doing the stuff that slows you down and distracts you, like chatting on IM.