Chris Brogan wrote a really great post this week called Social Media Fatigue. Maybe you already read it. If not, check it out, here.

I’ve been thinking about it ever since, in my own way.

My take on his idea of social media fatigue is this: If it’s not fun, why are you doing it?

Is the WHY compelling enough to help you push past the fatigue?

Without a compelling WHY to propel you, fatigue and burnout are inevitable.

So, before you join a social media platform, before you start a blog, before you do anything online, be very clear about why you are doing it.

12 Questions to Ask Before You Do Anything Online:

  1. What do you hope to accomplish?
  2. What value are you hoping to share with others?
  3. What do you hope to gain?
  4. What do you want to learn?
  5. What are you looking for?
  6. Who are you hoping to connect with?
  7. What connections can you help others make?
  8. How will you measure success?
  9. What media will you use to express yourself (writing, photos, art, video, song)?
  10. What motivates you?
  11. How strong is your commitment?
  12. Why?

I often find interacting on social media platforms fun. I find it fun to write new posts and share them. I think it’s fun to see how people respond to what I write. I enjoy making new connections and finding ways to add value to others.

AND. It’s not always fun. Because it is not always fun, I remind myself of WHY I am doing it. The WHY energizes me to stay present and engaged, even when it’s not fun. And the WHY compels me to stay present and engaged until it’s fun again. The WHY is the motivation I need to push past the fatigue and burnout that sometimes sets in.

So… why are you here? And what ways can you stay focused and motivated in your online activities?