3 Signs You Are Stuck In A Social Media Rut.

Like many of my clients I am guilty of not sticking to a consistent social media strategy. Weeks, months have gone by before in the past, when I haven't created one single piece of content. I would scratch my head for ages and hit a blank every time. Yes, even social media coaches get a case of creator's block. Having been in a rut myself, and helped clients through them over and over again, I know what needs to be done to get out of one, so you can get back to delivering high value content that your clients are waiting for! Let's dive in.

First, let’s define what a rut is:

According to Google Dictionary, the official definition is:

“a habit or pattern of behaviour that has become dull and unproductive but is hard to change”

Note, how it says: hard to change.

Here are some signs, maybe you can relate?

1. You’ve stopped posting consistently & you’re not sure what to share anymore.
2. You no longer feel interested in social media yet know it can support your biz
3. You make excuses “I don’t have any time”

Yes, getting out of a rut isn’t easy, but it can be done. You will need to build new habits. Think of habits just like a muscle, the more you flex them, the stronger you’ll get. I’ll talk you through the steps I personally took to get myself out of my social media rut:

Grab a notebook and answer these questions:

Why am I in this rut?

Am I uninspired by my own content?

Am I deflated by lack of engagement?

Am I connecting with my community?

Am I fed up with the platform?

Bored of your same routine?

Craving something new?

Make a note of what is coming up for you.

Unplug. Disconnect.

Stop consuming other content. This prevents any notion of comparison blocking you.

Create a blank canvas in your mind before you start to paint again.

The only way to do this is to unplug & disconnect. Minimise screen-time.

Free up space in your mind for your own ideas to bloom.

Get out in nature.

When I go hiking and exploring, I instantly feel relief. I feel free.

Science has proven being in nature is good for your health. Lie down on the ground, walk through the woods, dip your toes in a lake, run through the grass. Ground yourself. Reconnect. Recharge. Once you have reset yourself, you can start to work through this creative block.

Now, you've reset, we can start looking at ways to feel inspired and once again start creating. 

Practice Morning Pages

Dedicate time to free writing 2 pages every single morning.

Just empty your head. No rules, no judgement. Just write whatever comes to mind. At first this might feel weird and you may struggle - but in time, it gets easier. Eventually you will release those creative juices that have lay stagnant for so long and soon fresh ideas will be running in. I promise. This is a method I picked up after reading an amazing book by Julia Cameron, called The Artist's Way. I highly recommend this for anyone stuck in a creative rut. 

Ask Your Audience

The fastest way to get out of a rut is to speak to your audience directly and create content purely for them. This way, you know it will at least help one person, so what are you waiting for? Jump onto Instagram Stories, put together a poll or a collection of question stickers which allows them to give you feedback on what content they enjoy the most or what they currently need help with, or simply what they want to see more of.

Stop Overthinking 

If you’re the kind of person who overthinks every small thing before you make a decision, I recommend you learn how to meditate. Take control of your mind. When it is quiet, you will start to see more clearly. Gain clarity and feel more confident in your decision making. 

Progress over Perfection

Not every piece of content has to be perfectly curated. You will only make progress by getting started. Practice makes perfect. The more you put yourself out there, the more used to being visible online, the entire process will feel so much easier. Don't put off putting out your products or services because you are waiting for it all to be perfect - that day will never come. 

Delegate.

Struggle to create content yourself or finding you simply do not enjoy the process? I totally get it. I also truly believe that you should always (where possible) stay in your zone of genius, and focus on the things that you do love and that you are good at. Hire a team for the jobs that you do not know how to do or keep putting off. Delegate to someone who DOES love creating content… funnily enough, I know someone who can help. 

I hope you found this post helpful. If you did let me know by dropping me a message over on Instagram. You can find me by clicking here.